The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has partnered with AngloGold Ashanti Limited to strengthen its chemical security systems in an effort to prevent the diversion of precursor chemicals from legitimate mining operations into illicit drug production.
NACOC, through its Precursor Control Department (PCD), has trained 24 officials from AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi and Iduapriem mines on the safe management, monitoring and control of precursor chemicals.
The initiative forms part of NACOC’s broader engagement with licensed users, importers and handlers of controlled precursor chemicals to ensure that substances intended for legitimate industrial activities are not diverted for the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs.
NACOC said the programme reaffirmed the importance of sustained cooperation between regulators and industry in protecting legitimate industrial activities while preventing the misuse of controlled chemicals
The one-day training, held at Anyinam near Obuasi, followed a request from AngloGold Ashanti as part of the company’s regulatory compliance and chemical security measures.
Participants included officials from the company’s supply chain, production processing, environmental health and safety departments.
The training improved participants’ understanding of precursor chemicals, diversion risks and the practical measures required to maintain compliance within mining operations.
NACOC facilitators addressed key issues including the mandate of the Precursor Control Department, responsible precursor chemical management, chemical diversion risks and emerging trends in drug control.
The sessions were led by SNCO Joel Sekoh Abbeo, NCO Elijah Mills-Eshun and ANCO Ruth Dawson-Fielder.
Beyond chemical control, participants engaged the facilitators on cannabis regulation, drug demand reduction, public education, law enforcement, investigations, inter-agency cooperation and the legal framework governing NACOC’s operations.
The discussions, supported by practical industry examples, highlighted the potential consequences of weak controls over precursor chemicals and the need for vigilance throughout the supply and handling chain.
Mr. Kwadwo Asare Kyei, Head of Supply Chain at AngloGold Ashanti, said strengthening staff knowledge was essential to maintaining high standards of chemical security and regulatory compliance.
He urged participants to actively engage with the training and expressed the company’s appreciation to NACOC for its continued collaboration.
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