Ghana’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, has chaired the 33rd Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA), Africa, held in Vienna.
The meeting brought together representatives of African countries and international partners to discuss the challenges associated with illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime.
In a post on X on September 17, 2026, Ambassador Alomatu Osei-Agyeman said the meeting provided an important platform for participating countries to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and consider practical measures to address the evolving drug trafficking threat.
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She said the discussions also focused on advancing collective efforts to improve cooperation at both regional and international levels.
The ambassador said she was particularly pleased to welcome Ghana’s delegation to the meeting.
The delegation included the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni.
According to Ambassador Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, the participation of the Ghanaian officials reflected Ghana’s continued commitment to effective drug control and stronger international cooperation.
She said Ghana’s approach also remained focused on balanced responses to the global drug problem.
“Their participation reflected Ghana’s continued commitment to effective drug control, stronger international cooperation and balanced responses to the world drug problem,” she said.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for participants to build consensus around measures aimed at improving regional and international cooperation in addressing drug-related challenges.
Ambassador Alomatu Osei-Agyeman said she considered it a privilege to lead the deliberations and contribute to efforts to develop practical responses to the challenges confronting African countries.
She further reaffirmed Ghana’s willingness to work with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), fellow African states and other international partners in addressing the global drug problem.
According to her, such collaboration would be important in promoting safer, healthier and more resilient communities.
“Ghana remains committed to working with UNODC, fellow African States and our international partners towards safer, healthier and more resilient communities,” she added.
I was honoured to chair the 33rd Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA), Africa, held in Vienna.
— Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman (@matildaalomatu) September 17, 2026
The meeting provided an important platform for African States and international partners to exchange experiences, strengthen cooperation and advance our… pic.twitter.com/AI5tagguc0
