HON. JOSEPH ADDAE AKWABOA CALLS FOR ROBUST BORDER SURVEILLANCE TO COMBAT DRUG TRAFFICKING

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At the regional commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Day in Sunyani on 26th June 2025, Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, underscored the urgent need for enhanced border surveillance and security interventions to curb the rising threat of illicit drug trafficking.

The event brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including students from Sunyani SHS, St. James Seminary SHS, Police Experimental School, and Sunyani SHS Model Basic School, as well as representatives from faith-based organizations, NGOs, health institutions, and various security agencies.

Speaking under the global theme “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All,” Hon. Akwaboa emphasized the dangers posed by the increasingly sophisticated drug trade and urged community participation in dismantling criminal networks.

He warned that the smuggling of synthetic drugs and opioids across Ghana’s borders presents a serious challenge to public health and national security.

“Border security is critical in this fight,” he stated. “Our communities must also remain alert and work closely with the Narcotics Control Commission and the Police to resist all forms of drug infiltration.”

The Minister also revealed plans to intensify public education in collaboration with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and bolster cooperation with security agencies along the region’s borders. He noted that drug traffickers are constantly evolving their methods and often exploit border vulnerabilities to target youth with dangerous substances like tramadol, cannabis, shisha, and synthetic opioids.

Hon. Akwaboa stressed that addressing drug abuse must go beyond enforcement to include compassion and care for those struggling with addiction. “Substance dependence is a public health issue, not a moral failure,” he explained, while advocating for broader access to rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama’s government to strengthen national rehabilitation infrastructure, train mental health workers, and offer affected individuals a chance at recovery.

In his appeal for collective action, Hon. Akwaboa called for stronger coordination between the Narcotics Control Commission, Customs, Immigration, the Police, and local watchdog groups to disrupt trafficking syndicates and restore community safety.

Senior Narcotics Control Officer (SNCO), Mr. Ernest Owusu Sarpong, highlighted the increasing drug use among the youth, especially in informal environments like ghettos, pubs, and parties. According to him, substances such as tramadol, locally called “Red” and cannabis are contributing to a surge in health issues, behavioral disorders, and social instability in the region.

He noted that the Commission, in collaboration with other intelligence and enforcement agencies, is maintaining vigilance at strategic border points. According to Mr. Sarpong, so far, over 10,000 residents, including students, have benefitted from sensitization efforts across schools, churches, mosques, markets, and radio platforms in the region.

Additionally, the Commission’s counselling unit has supported hundreds of individuals with substance use disorders through treatment and rehabilitation services.