The Greater Accra Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Abdul Aziz Ali, says public education remains a key tool in curbing drug abuse in the country.

According to him, the country cannot hide from the fact that drug abuse is a major problem, but sustained public education will go a long way to help both prevent new cases and assist those already involved.

Mr. Ali was speaking in an exclusive interview with the media when Chosen Rehabilitation Center engaged students of Odorgonno Senior High School on the harmful effects of drug abuse.

“We can’t hide away from the fact that drug is a problem. But through public education, such as what we are doing today, it will go a long way to help people. We educate them from the beginning to know what they are supposed to do and not to do,” he said.

On the enforcement of drug laws, Mr. Ali said investigations must be allowed to take their course before any action is taken.

“That is the enforcement aspect of it. Investigation should be done. If investigation is done and they come to the conclusion that people are culpable, why not? But for now, I don’t think it is right to call for people to be sacked or imprisoned when you don’t have any evidence,” he stated.

The Commander commended successive governments for resourcing NACOC to fight drug trafficking and abuse. He disclosed that about 1,200 personnel are currently being recruited into the Commission to address manpower challenges.

“Government has done a lot. Successive governments are doing their best. As I speak to you now, some 1,200 people are being recruited to join the Narcotics Control Commission,” he said.

He added that logistics are also being improved, with the procurement of new machines, scanners at the airport and the deployment of the K9 unit.

Mr. Ali admitted that while the Commission does not have specific statistics at hand, drug abuse is on the rise, but assured that efforts are being made to curb it.

He urged the public to take advantage of NACOC’s free educational programmes, saying the Commission is mandated to fight illicit drugs and educate the public.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region