The Algerian Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Mourad Louhaidia, paid a courtesy call to the Director-General, Brig Gen Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and his Deputy Director-General, Mr Alexander Twum-Berimah, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, to discuss the possibility of collaboration in combating the drug abuse and trafficking menace.

The discussion is intended to explore the Commission’s potential in addressing the ongoing concerns of drug addiction and trafficking that have gripped most adolescents across Africa, highlighting the necessity for collaboration to keep the situation to a bare minimum.

According to H. E Louhaidia, his office is open and accessible to NACOC for collaboration in topics that will benefit both personnel and the Commission as a whole.

He mentioned capacity building to improve staff working ethics, as well as exchange programmes in which some selected staff will be able to travel to Algeria and connect with the national office of the anti-drug agency to learn about some of the procedures and success stories of the sister-related government agency in charge of narcotics control.

The Algerian Ambassador, stated the rate at which African youth are becoming addicted to all sorts of narcotic substances, including those found in his nation.

“Due to our closeness to Europe and our neighbouring Morocco, which is one of the largest producers of cannabis poses, a great danger to the health and safety of our citizens, hence the Algerian government, through the mandated state agencies responsible for curbing the menace, has put in place measures to control the situation.” He added.
“We look forward to collaborating with NACOC in the areas of drug addiction, maritime security system, surveillance and intelligence gathering, where we can facilitate for some officers to take advantage to build their capacities”. Ambassador Louhaidia reiterated.

Brig Gen Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, stated that his office is committed to collaborating with the Algerian government, primarily to capitalise on opportunities that will strengthen the two countries’ long-standing relationship, particularly in the field of narcotic-related avenues.

He stated that such networking with their counterparts will help to supplement and strengthen staff working capacities when dealing with operational tasks.

“We are happy to partner with the Algerian government in the aspect of narcotic drug abuse and trafficking and look forward to platforms that would enhance the capacities of our staff”. Brig Gen Mantey stressed.