Zimbabwe to benchmark Ghana’s drug control model

Zimbabwe has announced plans to benchmark Ghana’s narcotics control system as it prepares to establish a new national agency to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.

The announcement was made during a courtesy call by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Ghana, K.E. Chinoza, on the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, on Wednesday, July 15.

The proposed benchmarking mission forms part of Zimbabwe’s preparations to operationalise its planned Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency.

Ambassador Chinoza said Ghana was selected because of its well-established anti-drug institutions and proven drug control framework.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Zimbabwean delegation is expected to study Ghana’s institutional structure, intelligence-led enforcement, rehabilitation programmes, border management, inter-agency coordination and international cooperation.

He also revealed that Ghana’s NACOC model was recognised as a best practice for inter-agency coordination during the 13th Africa Security Symposium (ASEC 2026).

Responding, Major General Mantey welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed NACOC’s commitment to supporting African countries through knowledge sharing and technical cooperation.

“We are ready to share our experiences and international best practices in the fight against illicit drugs. Drug trafficking is a transnational challenge and our collective success depends on collaboration among African countries,” he said.

He noted that while logistics remain a major challenge for drug enforcement agencies across Africa, Ghana has made significant progress through sustained government support and institutional reforms.

Major General Mantey stressed that effective drug control requires a balanced approach combining law enforcement with public education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

The proposed benchmarking mission is expected to strengthen cooperation between Ghana and Zimbabwe while providing practical insights into Ghana’s integrated approach to combating illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.