The Board of the Right to Information Commission has paid a courtesy call on the leadership of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to explore ways of strengthening collaboration in promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in Ghana.
The delegation, led by Board Chair James Asante, met with the Director-General of NACOC, Maxwell Obuba Mantey, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation between the two institutions.
Discussions centred on how both bodies could work together to uphold the public’s right to information while safeguarding sensitive national security and law enforcement operations.
Welcoming the delegation, Brigadier General Mantey expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed NACOC’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the discharge of its mandate.
He stressed that tackling drug trafficking and abuse requires collective national effort, urging the public to see the fight against illicit drugs as a shared responsibility.
According to him, the growing threat posed by narcotics is destroying the potential of many young people and undermining the country’s future, making public support crucial in addressing the challenge.
The NACOC Director-General also acknowledged that the nature of the Commission’s work sometimes makes it difficult to disclose certain information, particularly when investigations are ongoing or when the intent of information requests is unclear.
Despite these constraints, he assured the delegation that NACOC would continue to respond promptly to requests from the RTI Commission, emphasising that access to information remains a fundamental right.
The Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Alexander Twum-Barimah, also reiterated the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with the RTI Commission to advance their shared mandate in the public interest.
For her part, the Executive Secretary of the RTI Commission, Shirley Lartey, said the Commission continues to educate the public through various platforms about the types of information citizens can lawfully request under the Right to Information law.
She explained that the Commission remains committed to promoting access to information while ensuring that legitimate exemptions are respected.
Board Chair Mr Asante also emphasised the importance of intensifying public awareness about the right to information, noting that greater understanding would enable citizens to engage more responsibly with public institutions.
Meanwhile, Acting Director of Public Relations and International Affairs at NACOC, Francis Amoah, said the Commission has consistently responded to requests under the Right to Information framework by providing timely and accurate information to the public.
He reaffirmed NACOC’s commitment to maintaining that standard as part of efforts to strengthen transparency.
The meeting concluded with both institutions pledging to enhance cooperation in support of Ghana’s democratic governance and the promotion of accountable public service.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com