The Government of Spain has provided €300,000 in financial support to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to facilitate the completion of its first forensic laboratory.
The funding is intended to strengthen the Commission’s investigative and prosecutorial capabilities, particularly in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
The Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, Ángel Lossada, announced the support during a brief ceremony to present the package to NACOC management, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to strengthening security cooperation between the two countries.
He said Spain was prepared to deepen its collaboration with Ghana through capacity building, specialised training and technical assistance to support efforts against drug trafficking and organised crime.
The Ambassador disclosed that the Spanish Government was stepping up cooperation with Ghana, either through the European Union Security and Defence Partnership or through the negotiation of bilateral agreements with the Ministry of the Interior.
He also pledged support for the training of forensic officers to ensure the effective operation of the laboratory once it is completed.
Receiving the support, NACOC Director-General, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, expressed appreciation to the Spanish Government for its continued partnership and commitment to strengthening Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking.
He described the funding as timely, noting that the establishment of a modern forensic laboratory had been one of his key priorities since assuming office.
According to him, the absence of a dedicated forensic laboratory has posed a major operational challenge for the Commission, particularly in investigating and prosecuting drug-related offences.
He explained that NACOC currently depends on other state institutions to conduct forensic examinations, a situation that often delays the receipt of laboratory results and the prosecution of cases.
Major General Mantey said completing the laboratory would enable the Commission to conduct forensic examinations more promptly, strengthen investigations and improve the prosecution of drug-related offences.