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 Bosopem Agyamang, 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 Bosopem Agyamang 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. Agyamang 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. Agyamang 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. Agyamang 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 menace. He called on fellow journalists to continue shining a light on the issue, holding authorities accountable, and fostering a culture of prevention and support.
While the achievements of 2025 are commendable, Mr. Agyamang and other speakers at the event acknowledged that significant challenges remain. The trafficking and abuse of narcotics continue to evolve, with traffickers employing increasingly sophisticated methods to evade detection. Immigration Commander Applauds NACOC’s Outstanding 2025. The region’s porous borders and the socio-economic vulnerabilities of some communities further complicate enforcement and prevention efforts.
Nevertheless, the event demonstrated that the Upper East Region is not daunted by these challenges. The collaborative networks forged among security agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and the media provide a robust foundation for sustained progress. The awards ceremony was thus both a celebration of current success and a call to redouble efforts in the years ahead.
The annual NACOC get-together and awards ceremony, chaired by DCOI Mr. Felix Bosopem Agyamang, was more than a formal occasion; it was a rallying point for all those committed to safeguarding the Upper East Region from the devastating impact of illicit drugs. Through recognition of outstanding service, candid reflection on challenges, and the forging of new partnerships, the event reaffirmed the region’s dedication to a drug-free future.
As the Upper East Region looks to 2026 and beyond, the lessons and inspirations drawn from this ceremony are clear: unity, vigilance, and hope are the cornerstones of victory in the ongoing struggle against narcotics. With continued commitment from all stakeholders, the region is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
