2-week workshop on technical training to counter drug trafficking and organized crime commences in Accra.

It is estimated that about 27% of cocaine consumed in Europe (40 tons) transits through West Africa.To help address this, The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), sponsored by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Bureau (INL), US Department of State, has commenced a two-week workshop on “ Counter Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime in Ghana”. This workshop aims to equip participants with the latest strategies to combat drug trafficking and associated organized crimes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held in Accra, the UNODC Representative in Ghana, Mr. Bernard H. Asamoah explained the importance of the workshop and the issues that will be addressed during the period including capacity enhancement activities, countering money laudering, post investigation writing, basic aspects of the law among others. “This is a technical assistance program for the Narcotic Control Commission which is going to be for two and a half years…to help you fight drug trafficking and organized crime… the project is seeking to provide a lot of capacity enhancement opportunities,” he said. Mr. Asamoah entreated the participants to put in practice the knowledge they gain from the training program.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani, also highlighted and commended NACOC and the participants as silent contributors to keeping Ghana safe. “very often you may not find yourself in the limelight, but you contribute silently to keeping Ghana safe and enabling Ghana to function effectively… it’s important that your work is acknowledged because your work does count” he said.

“You …are really important in the delivery of consequence to those who break the law and act as a strong deterrent. Your work must be done with integrity, courage and conviction because most often you are dealing with the most dangerous people who live in the world among us” he added.

In a brief remark, the Counternarcotics Advisor for INL, Mr. Ron Fleming  encouraged the participant to immerse themselves in the training and learn from it regardless of their experience level. “It is a priviledge and honor on behalf of NIL to partner with UNODC and be a part of the training and logistical support  for NACOC to further your confidence and your capacity in the agency” he said.

The Director General for NACOC, Mr. Kenneth Adu-Amanfoh also echoed the importance of the training in enabling participants with comprehensive guidance on various means and tactics on how to counter modern ways of trafficking drugs. “The technical training will expand and improve the skills and knowledge of our officers to become more efficient in delivering our mandate,” he said.

“To effectively and efficiently counter the illicit drug trafficking and organized crime, law enforcement officers like such as Narcotics Control Officers must be properly trained, knowledgeable, professionals and abreast with current trends in drug trafficking” he added.

Present were DEA Attaché, cyber security experts, foreign service national investigator, facilitators, NACOC, and UNODC officials.