The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has destroyed 9.6 tonnes of illicit drugs in a public exercise, with its Director-General, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, warning drug traffickers that “only God and the courts can free you”.

Speaking at the destruction site on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Mantey said the substances had been lawfully seized through joint operations involving NACOC and partner security agencies and were destroyed following court approval.

“The substances being destroyed this morning were lawfully seized through the dedicated efforts of NACOC and our partner security agencies,” he said. “This exercise represents the final stage of our enforcement efforts and ensures that these dangerous substances never find their way back into our communities.”

The destroyed items included 9.6 tonnes of cannabis, 46.89 kilograms of cocaine, 2,734 bottles of cannabis-infused drinks, 130 boxes of hemp-related products and other substances authorised for destruction by the court.

“Collectively, these substances represent thousands of doses that could have fuelled addiction, destroyed families, endangered young people and strengthened criminal networks,” Brig. Gen. Mantey said. “This destruction sends a very strong message that Ghana remains resolute in denying drug traffickers and criminal networks their profits.”

He said NACOC adhered to strict procedures before the destruction exercise. Officials from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) inspected, weighed and tested the seized substances before court clearance was obtained. Following the court's approval, the GSA conducted further testing and verification.

“This exercise also demonstrates our commitment to transparency, accountability and adherence to international drug control obligations,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Mantey stressed that enforcement alone would not win the fight against illicit drugs, noting that prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and public education remained essential components of the national response.

As part of those efforts, NACOC organised its first national seminar for guidance and counselling teachers on Monday. The programme brought together 50 teachers from each of Ghana's 16 regions to support efforts to curb drug use in schools.

“We go to faith-based institutions, we talk to the kids, we go to secondary schools and educate them,” he said.

Providing an update on the Australian methamphetamine case, Brig. Gen. Mantey disclosed that NACOC, working with the Bureau of National Investigations and other security agencies, had arrested the individual he described as the “lead shipper”.

“My officers slept out of their homes for three months and successfully picked the person who led that enterprise,” he said. “This afternoon we'll be picking more. Whoever is involved, it is only God and the courts that can free you.”

He added: “We'll get to the bottom of this enterprise and make sure that Ghana will not be declared a narco-state.”

Ahead of World Drug Day on Friday, the NACOC Director-General issued a further warning to those involved in drug trafficking.

“We are going to go out and hunt for those whose business is to sell drugs and destroy our young people,” he said.

“This is just the grace period. If you know you are involved in it, I'm only advising you because we'll come after you and nobody, apart from God and the courts, can free you.”

Brig. Gen. Mantey urged Ghanaians, particularly young people, to stay away from illicit drugs and become ambassadors for a healthier and safer Ghana.

“Together, we can build a Ghana where communities are safe, where our people are protected and where the menace of illicit drugs is effectively confronted,” he said.