The Ghana Navy’s Leadership Training School (LTS) has successfully passed out 186 cadets of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) after six months of intensive training, marking a new chapter in Ghana’s counter-narcotics efforts.
The Passing Out Parade, held at the Dei-Arms Square of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Tema, drew senior government officials, military commanders, and stakeholders in the national security sector.
“The graduation ceremony signified the completion of Basic Narcotics Cadet Course 8, a 26-week programme tailored to shape cadets into disciplined, physically resilient, and tactically proficient officers”
Ghana Navy
The course covered a wide spectrum of skills, ranging from narcotics detection and interdiction strategies to physical training, marksmanship, and mental resilience under pressure. According to the Ghana Navy, the course was meticulously structured to equip participants with the tools necessary to confront and “dismantle drug trafficking networks,” operating within and across Ghana’s borders.
Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for the Asawase Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, delivered the keynote address. He urged the graduating cadets to uphold professionalism and integrity in the execution of their duties, emphasizing the critical nature of their roles in preserving national security and public health.
“Your service must be anchored in integrity, dedication, and professionalism. These are not mere words, but the values that will define your careers and determine the trust the public places in you”
Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister For The Interior
He assured the Commission of the government’s continuous support in strengthening its institutional capacity and ensuring the availability of resources for effective law enforcement operations.
“Government remains fully committed to enhancing the operational readiness of NACOC and will continue to invest in developing highly skilled personnel capable of neutralizing drug-related threats”
Hon. Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister For The Interior
Excellence Recognized
The ceremony also honoured individual cadets who demonstrated outstanding performance during training. Cadet Yamyolia Nahajat Ananga Wuntima emerged as the Overall Best Recruit and Best in Academics, earning praise for her consistent excellence and discipline throughout the course.
Her double recognition underscored the balance between intellectual capacity and operational competence demanded of NACOC officers.
Cadet Richard Kobetta received the Best in Shooting award for his superior marksmanship, a vital skill in operational environments.
“Cadet Lawrence Edem Mensah was adjudged Best in Physical Training and Drill (Male), while Cadet Margaret Kudiabor took home the Best in Physical Training (Female), acknowledging their physical strength, coordination, and endurance”
Ghana Navy
These recognitions serve to highlight the importance of individual dedication and the holistic approach of the NACOC training system, which integrates academic rigour with physical and tactical discipline.
According to the Ghana Navy, these cadets are now fully certified to take up operational responsibilities and contribute to national drug interdiction efforts.
Reinforcing Drug Control Efforts
The Narcotics Control Commission’s enhanced collaboration with the Ghana Navy is part of a broader strategy to interlink national security institutions in the war against narcotics.
With drug trafficking becoming more sophisticated and regionally interconnected, the government has emphasized the importance of investing in personnel development as a sustainable path to crime prevention.
By graduating this new cohort, the Ghana Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to cross-sectoral cooperation in building an agile and well-trained national drug control force. The leadership of both NACOC and the Navy have stressed that these officers will form the “backbone of ongoing intelligence-led and community-based anti-narcotics campaigns.”
“This milestone reinforces the Commission’s determination to cultivate a disciplined and skilled workforce equipped to protect the nation against the evolving dynamics of the drug trade”
Narcotics Control Commission
The successful passing out of the cadets was accompanied by ceremonial drills, military band performances, and reviews by senior officials, reflecting the discipline and cohesion instilled during their months of training.
The Eastern Naval Command expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of Course 8, projecting that its graduates will bring renewed energy and professionalism to Ghana’s anti-narcotics architecture.
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