UN lauds Ghana's anti-drugs programme

Accra, July 6, GNA - The UN Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) has lauded Ghana's anti-drug programme as worthy of emulation in the sub-region.

Announcing this in Accra on Tuesday, Mr Kofi B. Quantson, Executive Secretary of the Narcotics Control Board (NCB), said the UNDCP, which supports the Board with logistics and funds, singled out Ghana's anti-drug laws and law e

nforcement structure as an example for other West African countries. Mr Quantson was addressing newsmen at the turn of the NCB in the "Meet the press" series by state agencies.

He said the NCB's track record has improved upon the country's previously dented image in the early '90s when Ghana was regarded as a major transit point for narcotic drugs.

"The UNDCP is assisting in providing vehicles and other technical equipment. Besides, under the European Union Project for West Africa, anti-drug squads would be established in six regions to bring such squads to all the 10 regions".

Mr Quantson said the European Union, under its African Anti-Drug Programme, also plans to give a facelift to the Department of Social Welfare's Rehabilitation Centre to treat drug-related patients discharged from the Psychiatric Hospital, which is the only facility currently handling such cases in the country.

Mr Quantson said more people are drawn into the drugs business because of the huge profits they derive from it.

He said a fallout of the drugs business is money laundering which can destroy any economy and the negative image it portrays of a country internationally.

"Problems being faced by the NCB include lack of resources, the notion that it is not as pervasive as is being portrayed and that it is the responsibility of only law enforcement agencies."

Mr Quantson said the best way to win the war against drugs is for everyone to approach it with equal responsibility.

"The fight must be waged through the communities, churches and other groupings".

He said, apart from the NCB's sustained education and prevention programme, a National Survey Project is being undertaken by ECOWAS to establish the extent of abuse and trafficking trends to serve as basis for future action.