Government must equip NACOC with modern technology to fight organised crime – Election Watch Convener

The Convener of Election Watch Ghana, Mark Ewusi Arkoh, has called on the government to provide the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) with sophisticated technological equipment to strengthen its fight against transnational organised crime.

Speaking to Arafat Musah on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Mr Ewusi Arkoh argued that the commission cannot effectively tackle increasingly complex criminal activities without the necessary technological resources and logistical support.

He noted that NACOC has just over 1,000 staff managing the fight against transnational organised crime, stressing that the agency requires advanced equipment to identify, track and apprehend individuals involved in such activities.

He said the challenges confronting the commission should not be blamed on its personnel, particularly when they lack the requisite tools to effectively execute their mandate.

Mr Ewusi Arkoh maintained that the responsibility for addressing the problem rests largely with government, which must ensure that institutions mandated to fight organised crime are adequately resourced.

Citizens urged to support NACOC in fight against organised crime

Mr Ewusi Arkoh also urged Ghanaians to take an active role in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime, insisting that the responsibility should not be left solely to NACOC.

He said citizens have a role to play in addressing the menace, given its potential impact on Ghana’s international reputation and national security.

He warned that the prominence of drug-related allegations involving Ghana in international headlines could create suspicion towards Ghanaian travellers, making it important for the country to collectively address the problem.

He further cautioned that organised criminal networks could exploit weaknesses in the country’s political system by using financial influence to secure political positions for individuals who would advance their interests.

He stressed that the fight against organised crime must be treated as a national responsibility rather than a partisan issue, requiring commitment from government, security agencies and citizens alike.