Ghana and the Netherlands have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs and organized drug markets.
The agreement was signed by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Netherlands’ Minister of Justice and Security, D.M. Van Weel, during the Dutch minister’s official visit to Ghana.
Mr Ablakwa said the agreement builds on the Accra Call to Action and is aimed at deepening international cooperation to tackle the growing threat posed by illicit drug trafficking.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Ghana and the Netherlands want to provide global leadership in addressing the drug problem, which he said is having serious consequences for young people, public health, the rule of law and human rights.
He said stronger international collaboration is needed to disrupt drug markets and prevent criminal networks from exploiting countries as routes and destinations for illicit substances.
Mr Ablakwa said the partnership seeks to strengthen efforts to tackle the trafficking of substances including cocaine and synthetic drugs, as well as the flow of criminal proceeds associated with the illicit drug trade.
“We are confident that genuine and reliable international collaboration will eliminate drug markets flooding our countries with cocaine, synthetics and criminal money,” he said.
The agreement marks another step in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships in combating drug trafficking and the criminal networks that support the trade.
