Ghanaian, German cooperation to help fight drug menace

Accra, April 8, GNA - German Ambassador in Ghana, Dr Marius Haas, on Tuesday said cooperation between the two countries would bolster the fight against drug trafficking and investment of the illicit proceeds. He said increasing information exchange between German law enforcement agencies and the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) through the Embassy's police liaison had been very fruitful in checking some drug cases in the country.

Dr Haas said this when the Embassy presented six fax machines valued at GH¢1,500 to the NACOB on behalf of the German Federal Criminal Investigation Department.

The donation was in support of the decentralization process of NACOB which includes the opening of additional offices in Tamale, Kumasi and Takoradi, and some focal points of antinarcotics activities. Dr Haas said the machines were expected to help ensure prompt communication between field officers and NACOB Headquarters, thus strengthening the effectiveness of the whole network.

"German assistance does not only consist of the provision of hardware but comprises training measures too," he said and noted that a NACOB officer was currently undergoing a six-month language and anti-narcotics training course in Germany while another official has been selected for the 2009 course which begins in September.

He said a Crime Suppression Training Course for about 25 Ghanaian anti-narcotics investigators would be held in Accra in July this year. This will be in addition to two courses titled "Operational Analysis" and "Police Operational Tactics and Methods" for both the Ghana Police Service and NACOB officers and investigators scheduled for end of 2008.

General Joshua Hamidu (Rtd), Board Chairman of NACOB, expressed disgust at the idea of Ghana being turned into a transit point for drugs and commended Germany for its continued support, especially its willingness to help to train Ghanaian personnel in combating drug trafficking.

"We are hopeful that your kind gesture would help make NACOB a better organization poised to do the job it is supposed to do," he said.