News
Netherlands supports Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking, donates new scanners to NACOC…supports gender-based activism in James Town
The Netherlands government has donated new upscale intrusive scanners to Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) as part of collective efforts aimed at tackling transnational trafficking of illegal drugs through the country’s airports.
The new scanners are expected to significantly boost the commission’s operational efficiency and enhance their ability to monitor and flag high risk cargo and passengers.
At a brief handing over ceremony held at Marriott Hotel in Accra, Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Mr. Foort van Oosten, indicated that the gesture reflects the Netherlands’ long-standing commitment to partnering with Ghana on security and justice issues, whilst commending the impressive bilateral relations between the two nations.
Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Muntaka, who received the scanners on behalf of government, indicated that the intrusive scanners would support Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking and thanked the Netherlands government for the kind gesture.
“We needed these new intrusive scanners to prevent drug trafficking at our ports; and for the Netherlands government to step in to assist, we are most grateful,” he noted.
He assured the Dutch delegation that the scanners will be used responsibly, adding that they would be operated and maintained by specially trained officers.
In furtherance of the Netherlands’ strong commitment to human rights and the promotion of gender equality, Mr. Foort van Oosten also unveiled the “OrangeCorner Mural” in support of a campaign against gender-based violence in James Town and surrounding communities.
The Orange Corner mural symbolizes resistance against domestic violence, and was born out of a partnership with Act for Change, a youth-focused non-governmental organization that is raising awareness about sexual and gender-based abuses in the community.
Act for Change uses creative arts and participatory theatre to empower young people on gender-based violence.
The campaign will include social media activities and interactive theatre performances for students and community youth leaders.
Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has confirmed that former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, is in prison and serving her jail term.
Speaking in an interview on Joy news, Mr. Muntaka dismissed claims that the former MASLOC boss was being held in a private location.
He said she has been in the custody of the state since she returned to Ghana.
“From the day Sedina came, she has been with us, and she’s serving her time,” he said.
The minister explained that the public is not usually told the specific prison where inmates, especially high-profile persons, are being held for security reasons.
He said even judges who sentence offenders do not necessarily know the specific prison where they are sent.
“If you want to visit her, you can write to the Prisons Service. They will talk to her, and if she is interested in you coming, she will let you come,” Mr. Muntaka stated.
According to him, disclosing the location of high-profile inmates could put their lives at risk, adding that some developed countries also keep such information confidential for security purposes.
His comments come amid public speculation over the whereabouts of Ms. Tamakloe Attionu following reports that she had returned to Ghana to begin serving her prison sentence.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Western Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), ACFO I Cecil Addo, has completed a familiarization tour of major corporate and industrial institutions across the Western Region to strengthen partnerships and enhance fire safety preparedness.
The tour covered key organizations including the Bank of Ghana, GOIL PLC, Ghanstock, Western Terminals, Zen Terminal, Keda Ceramics, Takoradi International Company (TICO), Volta River Authority (VRA), Harlequin Oil and Gas, and Western Serene Atlantic Hotel.
During the engagements, the Regional Commander encouraged management of the institutions to prioritize proactive fire prevention measures by incorporating strict safety protocols into their daily operations.
Discussions also focused on improving fire readiness and strengthening collaboration between GNFS and the corporate sector.
As part of the initiative, GNFS presented firefighting equipment, including Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) extinguishers, as well as Fire Extinguishing Balls, to support workplace safety.
The institutions expressed appreciation for the outreach and pledged to support regular safety audits, joint emergency drills, and potential Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with the Service.
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