Narcotics Law being amended - Okaija

Accra, The Narcotics Control Enforcement Law that is being amended is expected to come into force by the end of the year, pending the completion of measures to streamline it.

Nii Okaija Adamafio, Minister of the Interior, who announced this on Monday, said the draft amendment is currently shuffling between his Ministry and the Attorney-General's Department for corrections to make it reflect current trends in the anti-drug war.

Nii Okaija said this at a ceremony in Accra to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on Monday under the theme, "Facing reality: denial, corruption and violence".

The need for an amendment to the law arose out of difficulties encountered by enforcement agencies, including confiscation and ill-defined roles. For the first time, the Ministers of Health and Education were brought in to highlight the need for a multi-sectoral approach in the fight against drugs.

All the speakers and the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan whose message was read at the function, agreed that the anti-drug war demands everybody's contribution and the need to change attitudes.

Nii Okaija said the problem of drugs is just one of many pressing ones faced by Government, including HIV-AIDS and the economy.

He noted that despite some successes chalked in the drug war, statistics show that the problem is on the increase and said "it is a compelling duty by all to join in the fight".

Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo, Minister of Health, said drugs threaten the lives of humankind and undermine the moral fibre, the breakdown of which makes people honour drug barons for their wealth.

"A dangerous factor of this attitude is the determination of drug dealers to corrupt and compromise law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.

"Where they cannot corrupt or compromise, then they seek ways to destroy them through all sorts of open and subtle means." In view of the need for a multi-disciplinary approach, Prof. Danso-Boafo urged Ghanaians to contribute to the production of literature and audio-visual aids for preventive education.

Mr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Minister of Education, stressed the need for people to lead exemplary lives for the youth to emulate and reject the negative tendencies they encounter through the media and in society.

Mr Annan's message read by Mrs Agnes Guimba-Ouedraogo, Acting UNDP Resident Representative, called for "common sense and good will" from all to make the fight succeed. "With the combined forces of all levels of human organisation and endeavour, I am convinced we can and will make a headway," he said.