𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗥𝗨𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬

The visit was primarily to enable the Regional Commander to formally introduce himself to the Regional Minister, who also serves as the Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and to establish a cordial working relationship with the Regional Coordinating Council. The engagement also provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore ways of strengthening collaboration in addressing narcotics-related challenges and promoting security in the Northern Region.

During the meeting, Mr. Isaac Badu expressed his commitment to working closely with the Regional Minister, REGSEC and the NRCC to enhance efforts towards preventing drug abuse, controlling illicit drug trafficking and addressing other narcotics-related activities within the region.

He acknowledged the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling the growing challenges associated with narcotics and emphasised that the effective discharge of the Commission’s mandate required strong partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly regional security institutions and local government authorities.

The Regional Commander further highlighted the need for sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated interventions to address the narcotics menace, particularly among the youth, who remain vulnerable to the negative effects of substance abuse.

In his response, the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, welcomed Mr. Badu and commended him for taking the initiative to formally introduce himself and establish a working relationship with the Regional Coordinating Council.

The Minister reaffirmed the importance of the Narcotics Control Commission in Ghana’s national security framework, noting that the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse required a collective and coordinated approach involving all relevant security agencies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, educational institutions and communities.

He stressed that narcotics-related activities, particularly drug abuse among young people, posed significant threats to public health, social stability, productivity and the overall development of society.

Hon. Adolf underscored the need for proactive measures, public education, intelligence gathering and effective enforcement of the laws governing narcotic drugs to prevent the spread of illicit substances and protect vulnerable groups.

He further emphasised that the Regional Security Council remained committed to supporting institutions responsible for maintaining law and order in the region and assured the Regional Commander of the Council’s readiness to strengthen the necessary collaboration to advance the Commission’s mandate.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of intensifying public sensitisation, particularly in schools and communities, to educate young people on the dangers and consequences of drug abuse and encourage responsible lifestyles.

He observed that addressing the narcotics challenge required not only enforcement measures but also preventive interventions that would promote awareness, discourage drug use and provide support for affected individuals.

The engagement reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, the Regional Security Council and the Narcotics Control Commission to work together towards strengthening security, safeguarding public health and promoting a safer environment for residents of the Northern Region.

The courtesy call ended with a renewed commitment to building stronger institutional relations and pursuing collaborative approaches to combating narcotics-related activities in the region.