Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has pledged to prioritise the recruitment of persons who aid in the arrest of drug addicts into the security services.

This, according to him, forms part of a broader strategy by the government to tackle the growing menace of drug trafficking and abuse, especially in Zongo communities.

Addressing a gathering during a sensitisation programme at Sabon Zongo in Accra, on Thursday, May 8, the Interior Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to develop the capacities of the Zongo youth through socioeconomic-centred initiatives.

“Once we live in the community, we know them, and it is when we rise and say no, we’re going to allow them to do it, that is when we can succeed. With the help of the police and the Narcotics Control Commission, we’re assuring you that we will give you this support.

“And to show you goodwill, the youth who rose to this, I’m assuring you, give me 10 to 15 names, Insha Allah, I’m assuring you before the end of this month, I will make sure that you are absolved to be able to do the work that you’re doing.

“I’m assuring you all those who will join them when an opportunity comes for us to recruit people into the security services, all those who are helping and are qualified and are interested in the security services, I’m assuring you I will give them priority to join,” he pledged.

Muntaka also threatened to ensure the transfer of police officers who refuse to respond swiftly to complaints of drug peddling in their respective divisions in the Zongo communities.

“Don’t go about destroying properties. Don’t take the laws into your hands. Make sure that if you arrest them, you hand them over to the police. I have also instructed the police that any commander you call who doesn’t respond swiftly will be removed.

“They must respond swiftly when you call them, so that it makes the work easier, you cannot sacrifice your day, energy, night, and when you round them up, and the police are supposed to take them up, they refuse or delay,” he stated.