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The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested a long-time drug trafficking suspect, Uchechukwu Chima, in a successful intelligence-led operation at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.

The 56-year-old Nigerian national was apprehended on Tuesday, March 18, following a search of his hideout, which uncovered 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin. Field tests confirmed the substances as narcotics, with an estimated street value of $2.1 million.

Chima, who has been on NACOC’s radar for some time, is believed to be the mastermind behind several past drug seizures.

His arrest represents a major breakthrough in Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking.

NACOC has reaffirmed its commitment to making Ghana an unprofitable destination for drug cartels and ensuring public safety.

Read the statement below:

Dated: Wednesday 19, March, 2025

For Immediate Release

NACOC ARRESTS A LONG TIME DRUG TARGET*

An intelligence led operation by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, resulted in the arrest of a 56 year old Nigerian, Uchechukwu Chima at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra.

A search conducted by the NACOC team at the suspect’s hideout uncovered substances suspected to be narcotic drugs. Field tests conducted on the suspected substance proved positive for cocaine and heroin, both narcotic drugs. The suspected narcotic substances, with a total weight of about 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin, are estimated at a street value of Two Million, One Hundred and Twenty-one Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty United States Dollars (US$2.1 Million).

The suspect, Uchechukwu Chima who has been a target for NACOC for some time now, is noted to be the brain behind some seizures/arrests made by NACOC in the past.

NACOC by this seizure and arrest, has taken this substantial quantity of drugs from the street, saving millions of lives of people who would have otherwise perished from abusing these hard drugs.

NACOC remains committed to making Ghana an unprofitable destination for drug trafficking and thus protecting the safety and well-being of all Ghanaians and the international community.

Signed
Francis Opoku Amoah
Acting Director, Public Affairs and International

In 2024, Ghana imported excavators valued at GH₵6.2 billion, making it the third-highest item in the country’s import bill, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed.

The Minister expressed concern that these excavators might have been used for illegal mining activities across the country’s mining sites.

To tackle this issue, he urged the Ministry of Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to collaborate in controlling the importation of such equipment.

In addition, the Minister announced a ban on floating platforms, commonly known as “Changfans,” which are primarily used by illegal miners in rivers.

During a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah also proposed that the issuance of small-scale mining licenses be handled at the district level, with input from the District Security Command and district mining committees to ensure thorough vetting of documentation.

This initiative follows recommendations from a working committee set up by the government to review the current mining licensing system and address the illegal mining menace.

As part of the crackdown, the Minister disclosed that 60 excavators had been seized by the military task force over the past two months, with the equipment now held by Regional Ministers. Instead of being destroyed, the excavators will be repurposed for road construction.

The government has also made progress in recovering seven out of the nine forest reserves previously captured by illegal miners, and plans are underway to amend legislative instrument L.I 2462 to prohibit mining in these reserves. The amendment will also remove the President’s power to grant mining licenses for forest reserves.

Legal practitioner Kow Essuman has criticized Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for his silence regarding former President John Mahama’s continued use of Dzata Airlines for official travels.

Essuman, who is a legal advisor to former President Akufo-Addo, raised concerns over the costs to the nation and potential conflicts of interest.

His comments came after Mahama’s recent trip to Sierra Leone, following visits to Senegal and The Gambia.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Essuman questioned why the North Tongu MP, who was outspoken about President Akufo-Addo’s foreign trips, is now silent on the matter.

“Dzata Airlines continues to transport the President during his official travels. Yet, my brother, Hon. @S_OkudzetoAblak, remains silent regarding the costs to the nation and issues of conflict of interest, particularly in his new role as Foreign Minister,” he stated.

The post has sparked mixed reactions online, with calls for greater accountability and transparency regarding the use of the private airline.

Earlier, Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu explained that the private jet had been available to the President before the 2024 general elections and that the arrangement does not impose any financial burden on taxpayers, as the jet was provided at no cost.

The Ghana Police Service has announced a reshuffle among some regional commanders and members of the Police Management and Advisory Board (POMAB).

The changes, detailed in a statement signed by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs, were made on March 19, 2025.

Notable changes include COP Maame Tiwa Addo-Danquah being appointed as the Director-General of Research and Planning, and COP Iddi Lansah Seidu taking on the role of Director-General of Welfare.

Supt. Solomon Akorli has been named the Executive Secretary to the IGP, COP Christian Tetteh Yohonu.

Additionally, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor has been appointed as the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), with DCOP Frank Abrokwah serving as her deputy.

The National Youth Authority (NYA) has been tasked with implementing the National Apprenticeship Programme, aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with practical skills for employment.

Launched on March 19 by Youth Development and Empowerment Minister George Opare Addo, the initiative is part of the government’s strategy to combat youth unemployment through vocational training.

A Technical Working Committee has been established to oversee the programme’s execution, with Osman Ayariga, CEO of NYA, appointed as chair. He expressed commitment to ensuring the programme’s success, stating, “The National Apprenticeship Programme presents a unique opportunity to empower our youth with the skills they need to secure meaningful employment.”

Minister Opare Addo emphasized the programme’s role in bridging the gap between education and employment, providing hands-on training in various trades.

The programme will be implemented in collaboration with industry experts, vocational training institutions, and government agencies.

The government has pledged sufficient resources to ensure its smooth execution, benefiting thousands of young Ghanaians with skills for sustainable livelihoods.