Netherlands Donates Scanners to Help Ghana Fight Drug Trafficking

Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking has received a significant boost with the donation of advanced intrusive scanners to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) from the Netherlands government.

The scanners, handed over at a ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Accra, are expected to drastically improve NACOC’s ability to detect illicit substances hidden in cargo and on passengers arriving at the country’s airports.

Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Foort van Oosten, explained the donation highlights the Netherlands’ unwavering commitment to security collaboration with Ghana. “This donation reflects our long-standing partnership with Ghana in addressing security and justice challenges,” he stated, emphasizing the strength of the bilateral relationship.

Receiving the equipment, Interior Minister Mubarak Muntaka expressed the government’s profound gratitude. “We needed these new intrusive scanners to prevent drug trafficking at our ports, and for the Netherlands government to step in to assist, we are most grateful,” he said. He assured that the scanners would be operated by specially trained personnel and used responsibly to safeguard the nation.

Beyond the security aid, Minister van Oosten also unveiled the “Orange Corner Mural” in James Town, Accra. This mural forms part of a broader campaign against gender-based violence spearheaded by the youth-focused NGO, Act for Change.

The “Orange Corner” initiative will leverage creative arts, participatory theatre, and social media to raise awareness about sexual and gender-based violence amongst students, youth leaders, and the wider community, empowering them to challenge these harmful practices.

Officials say this combined initiative demonstrates the Netherlands’ support for both security and social justice within Ghana, contributing to a safer and more equitable society.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE