NACOC Commander’s Stirring Speech at Annual Awards in Upper East Region
As the golden lights bathed the gathering hall on Friday, February 6, 2026, anticipation and camaraderie filled the air. Officers, partners, and dignitaries from across the Upper East Region gathered for the Narcotics Control Commission’s (NACOC) annual get-together and awards night, a night that would become more than just a celebration. Standing before the assembled crowd, SNCO Saeed Abdul-Aziz, Upper East Regional Commander of NACOC, delivered a speech that moved hearts and minds. His words echoed the spirit of the evening: “Tonight is not only a moment of celebration, but also a time of reflection, a time to appreciate the teamwork, discipline, and sacrifices made by all officers and partners in the fight against illicit drugs.” He paused to acknowledge the presence of distinguished guests, community leaders, agency partners, and fellow officers, whose support had been pivotal throughout the year. “We are deeply grateful to you all for your influential support. This demonstrates the strong collaboration and shared commitment we have towards impacting our communities and protecting the future of our youth.” Yet, Commander Abdul-Aziz’s message was also one of caution and unity. “To our sister agencies and stakeholders, I want to say we are reassured, but reassured is always wrong when incidents are tightly bound. Your intelligence, your resources, and your unwavering partnership are the reasons we have seen success in 2025. I urge you all, let us work even more closely together. No single agency can win this battle alone. The fight against drug abuse is not a solitary one.” He spoke poignantly about the real consequences of drugs infiltrating communities, not just individual misuse, but the upending of families and the stability of society itself. “It is a danger that puts everyone at risk.” Commander Abdul-Aziz praised his team’s efforts in carrying out the Commission’s mandate, especially their public sensitization campaigns and efforts to combat trafficking. He highlighted a new partnership: “The Command also collaborated with the Presbyterian Psychiatric Clinic in Bolgatanga to commence counseling services for those affected. We do it for the safety of our streets. Above all, we do it because we must always stand in for each other.” As his speech reached its crescendo, his message became a rallying call: “Let our bond be unbreakable, our resolve be unshakable, our actions be driven by one singular force, the love of our country, Ghana.” With hope for the future, Commander Abdul-Aziz closed, “It is our fervent prayer that the year 2026 will be better than what we have achieved. We trust that corporate bodies and key agencies will continue to support the Commission in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. May God bless you all, and may God bless our government.” The applause that followed was not just for the awards handed out that night, but for the steadfast commitment and unity of purpose that the Commander’s words inspired, reminding all in attendance that the struggle against drug abuse is both a shared duty and a noble cause. A total of 14 persons were awarded in different categories, and the award ceremony attracted the presence of other security officials from Ghana Immigration, CEPS, Police, Military, and some other organizations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Immigration Commander Applauds NACOC’s Outstanding 2025 Success in Combating Drug Abuse
The Upper East Region of Ghana recently witnessed a remarkable convergence of security leadership, institutional stakeholders, and media advocacy at the annual get-together and award ceremony organized by the Upper East Regional Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). The event, presided over by DCOI Mr. Felix Bosompem Agyemang, the Upper East Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration SeImmigration Commander Applauds NACOC’s Outstanding 2025rvice, reflected not only on the Immigration Commander Applauds NACOC’s Outstanding 2025milestones achieved in narcotics control over the past year but also underscored the crucial role of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding the region against the scourge of illicit drugs. The ceremony, which took place at the heart of the Upper East Region, brought together an impressive array of security officials. Representatives from the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), the Ghana Police Service, the Military, and other significant institutions and stakeholders attended the event. Their presence was a testament to the shared responsibility and united front required to address the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking, abuse, and related criminal activity. In recent years, the Upper East Region has emerged as a critical battleground in Ghana’s national campaign against narcotics. Its proximity to border crossings and its diverse communities make it both a point of vulnerability and a focal point for strategic interventions. The annual get-together was thus more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of the region’s collective resolve to confront drug-related challenges through innovative strategies and unwavering commitment. In his keynote address, DCOI Mr. Felix Bosompem Agyemang did not mince words in commending the Upper East Regional Commander of NACOC and his dedicated team. He lauded their tireless efforts, which, he announced, had resulted in a good number of interceptions and arrests in 2025 alone. These operations targeted individuals involved in the smoking of cannabis, the abuse of opioids, specifically Tramadol and Royal 225, as well as the illegal possession of gold bars and other contraband substances. “These achievements are not just statistics,” Mr. Agyemang emphasized. “They represent lives saved, communities protected, and a future secured for our youth.” He further highlighted the diversity and complexity of the narcotics threat, noting that the fight against illicit drugs extends beyond enforcement. It encompasses prevention, rehabilitation, and the transformation of attitudes, especially among young people, who are often the most vulnerable to drug-related influences. Turning to the award recipients, Mr. Agyameng expressed heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering dedication to the nation. “I am grateful to every one of you for your dedication to Mother Ghana,” he said, his words resonating with a room full of officers, civilians, and institutional partners who have contributed their time and expertise to the cause. He singled out NACOC’s proactive stance in organizing drug cessation and educational outreach programs, particularly within educational institutions across the region. These initiatives, he noted, are vital in raising awareness, fostering resilience, and equipping young people with the knowledge and resources they need to resist the lure of narcotics. A total of 14 awards were presented to individuals and institutions whose contributions have been instrumental in the fight against illicit drugs in the Upper East Region. Among those honored were frontline officers, support staff, and representatives of partner agencies, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the region’s anti-drug objectives. One notable recipient was Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh, who received the “2025 Best Media Support and Advocacy Institution in Prevention of Illicit Drug Abuse” award. His documentary, “Swallowed by Drugs,” was widely acclaimed for its in-depth exploration of how drug abuse is devastating the lives of young people, the very individuals expected to be the leaders of tomorrow. The documentary’s poignant storytelling and investigative rigor not only exposed the grim realities faced by many youths but also sparked renewed calls for action among policymakers and community leaders. Amid the celebrations, Mr. Agyemang took a moment to offer a word of advice. He cautioned the officers and men of NACOC not to rest on their laurels. “Let the successes and achievements of 2025 spur you on to do more,” he urged. He reminded attendees that the fight against narcotics is an ongoing battle, one that requires constant vigilance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from both victories and setbacks. He also stressed the importance of continued collaboration, coordination, and cooperation among all security agencies and stakeholders. In a context where resources are often limited, the pooling of expertise, intelligence, and operational capacity is not just desirable; it is essential. “We must work together with the various border agencies and institutions within our area of responsibilities to ensure that the mandate given to NACOC is successfully achieved,” he said. As the evening drew to a close, Mr. Agyamang congratulated all award winners and staff for their hard work. He reaffirmed his confidence in the collective ability of the region’s security apparatus to rise to future challenges. “The future of our beloved country is in our hands,” he concluded, his words echoing a sentiment of shared purpose and hope. The ceremony ended on a note of optimism, with attendees sharing not just accolades and handshakes but a renewed sense of mission. The collaborative spirit that permeated the gathering served as a powerful reminder that the fight against illicit drugs is not the responsibility of any single agency or individual; it is a collective endeavor that calls for the best efforts of all. A key highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the media’s role in shaping public discourse and influencing policy. The award to Apexnewsgh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen underscored the impact that investigative journalism and advocacy can have in the fight against drug abuse. “Swallowed by Drugs” did not merely document the challenges faced by youths; it provided a platform for affected individuals to share their stories and for communities to mobilize around prevention and rehabilitation. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Ngamegbulam emphasized the media’s responsibility to go beyond reporting incidents and delve into the root causes, societal impacts, and potential solutions to the drug
Apexnewsgh Honored as 2025 Best Media Advocacy Institution in Upper East Region
At a special awards ceremony organized by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in Ghana’s Upper East Region, Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen and his media platform, Apexnewsgh, were recognized as the “2025 Best Media Support and Advocacy Institution in Prevention of Illicit Drug Abuse.” The accolade was awarded in acknowledgment of the platform’s impactful advocacy work, particularly through Ngamegbulam’s recent documentary titled “Swallowed by Drugs,” which was sponsored by Endswell Pharmacy Limited, to explore the growing issue of youth drug abuse in the region and beyond. Mr. Ngamegbulam expressed his surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. Recalling the moment, he shared, “I was shocked when I received a call from the NACOC media department. When I arrived, I was told that my story had been selected for an award. I was speechless.” He expressed satisfaction at seeing other media outlets in the region begin to address illicit drug issues more seriously following the airing of his documentary. “I was happy to see some of the media platforms engaging the same resource persons I featured in my documentary. That, to me, is the way forward. It shows that Apexnewsgh, in its own way, is making a meaningful impact.” The official citation from NACOC commended Apexnewsgh for its outstanding contributions to public health and advocacy, stating: “In recognition of your outstanding contributions to public health and advocacy activities on prevention of drug abuse, Apexnewsgh is commended for its tireless efforts in educating the public, reducing stigma, and shining a light on the dangers of substance abuse. We extend our sincere appreciation to Apexnewsgh for elevating the national dialogue on drug abuse, providing vital information on recovery, and fostering a community-wide commitment to a drug-free future through its latest video documentary, ‘Swallowed by Drugs.’ We appreciate your exemplary commitment to social responsibility and honor you for using your platform to drive awareness, share stories of hope, and actively combat the spread of drug addiction.” The event drew prominent security officials from the Immigration Service, CEPS, Police, and Military, as well as representatives from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Upper East Youth Association, and Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) from Bongo, Kassena Nankana, and Bolgatanga. Delivering a speech on behalf of the Upper East Regional authorities, the Bolgatanga MCE congratulated awardees for their dedication and hard work in the fight against illicit drug abuse. He also expressed concern over the alarming rate of youth drug addiction, emphasizing its negative impact on society. Commander DCOI Mr. Felix Bosopem Agyamang, Upper East Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service and chairman of the ceremony, highlighted the strong collaboration between the Narcotics Control Commission and the Immigration Service at the region’s borders, particularly regarding migration and related issues. Standing before the assembled crowd, SNCO Saeed Abdul-Aziz, Upper East Regional Commander of NACOC, delivered a speech that moved hearts and minds. His words echoed the spirit of the evening: “Tonight is not only a moment of celebration, but also a time of reflection, a time to appreciate the teamwork, discipline, and sacrifices made by all officers and partners in the fight against illicit drugs.” He paused to acknowledge the presence of distinguished guests, community leaders, agency partners, and fellow officers, whose support had been pivotal throughout the year. “We are deeply grateful to you all for your influential support. This demonstrates the strong collaboration and shared commitment we have towards impacting our communities and protecting the future of our youth.” Apexnewsgh’s recognition highlights the crucial role of the media in shaping public health discourse and mobilizing communities in the fight against drug abuse. Source: Apexnewsgh.com