The Director- General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, together with his deputy, Lawyer Alexander Twum-Barimah and some management members on Wednesday 10 September, 2025 paid a courtesy on Nana Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, the Paramount Chief of the Akuapem Traditional area at his Palace.

The visit was to officially introduce the Director-General to the traditional leadership, and take the opportunity to also express his support to the Paramount Chief and the people of Okuapeman on the occasion of the Awukudae which precedes the annual Odwira Festival.

The Director- General in his remarks said the issue of drug abuse is more dangerous than we can imagine. He stressed that the youth are more vulnerable to the use of drugs. He informed that the Commission will continue to use all available platforms to create awareness on the dangers associated with drug use.

He therefore appealed to Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III to support the fight against illicit drug abuse by using his influence to talk to the youth in particular about the negative effects of drug use.

On his part, Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, congratulated and thanked the Director-General and his team for the visit and their support. He said their presence alone will serve as a deterrent for the young people who are involved in the act.

Oseadeeyo Akuffo III stressed that in order to minimise the menace, there is the need for the security services to collaborate and partner with the chiefs to bring out workable solutions to curb the illicit drug use.

He maintained that it is a great concern to him personally with the involvement of the youth. He therefore assured the Director-General and his team of his full support in their operations, especially around Akropong and its environs.