The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, has assured Parliament that the government has substantially fulfilled its commitment to integrate the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) into Ghana’s national security architecture.
According to him, while the final constitutional amendment is yet to be completed, significant legal and administrative measures have already been implemented to position NACOC within the country’s security framework.
Appearing before Parliament’s Assurance Committee on Tuesday, the Minister updated lawmakers on steps taken to implement an earlier pledge he gave in response to an urgent question from the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, regarding the reclassification of NACOC as a security and intelligence agency.
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He explained that the recently enacted security legislation already recognises the Commission as part of Ghana’s broader security architecture at the district, regional and national levels.
He disclosed that recommendations by the Constitutional Review Committee also support formally recognising NACOC as a security and intelligence agency, with the final step dependent on constitutional amendments.
“So far as we are concerned, this promise has been fulfilled except for the constitutional amendment, which is still pending,” the Minister told the committee.
Mr Muntaka said the changing nature of narcotics-related crimes makes it necessary for NACOC to operate fully as a security and intelligence institution.
He noted that although the Commission already undertakes intelligence gathering, investigations, arrests, seizures and firearms operations, the Constitution does not explicitly list it among Ghana’s recognised security and intelligence agencies.
He described the situation as an anomaly, arguing that an institution empowered by law to conduct sophisticated law enforcement operations should receive constitutional recognition within the national security system.
The Minister added that the government has worked with the Attorney-General’s Department to strengthen NACOC’s prosecutorial authority, reducing its dependence on other agencies to prosecute narcotics-related offences.
Mr Muntaka also assured Ghanaians that the Ministry of the Interior remains committed to maintaining peace and public safety.
He said the government continues to work closely with all security agencies to ensure citizens can go about their daily activities without fear.
“Our focus is to ensure that Ghana remains safe and secure, and we will continue working tirelessly to protect lives and property,” he said.
The Minister confirmed that NACOC remains under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior while awaiting the completion of constitutional reforms.
Members of the Assurance Committee acknowledged the progress made and noted that the outstanding constitutional amendment would complete the formal reclassification process.