Accra, June 3, GNA - Mr Thomas Broni, Deputy Minister of the Interior on Thursday lauded the United States Government for investing more than 244,000 dollars to support Ghana in her fight against the trafficking of narcotic drugs.

The Deputy Minister, was speaking at a ceremony at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra when the US Ambassador, Mrs Mary Carlin Yates handed over Two Baggage Screening Equipment, valued at 80,000 dollars to the Narcotic Control Board.

The US State Department Bureau of International Narcotic and Law donated the equipment.

Mr Broni said the fight against drug trafficking required global effort.

He said the Government was putting in place measures to close all entry points for drug trafficking, stressing: "Those points would soon be impenetrable.

"Government intends to make this country drug-free and no stone would be left unturned in our efforts towards achieving this goal."

Mr Broni said the adverse effects of drug abuse was visible at the psychiatric hospitals where a number of young patients were being treated for drug related ailments while others were languishing in prison.

He said Ghana needed assistance in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

Mr Broni said two personnel of the Board trained in the US had expressed the need for another package for personnel, who would operate the screening equipment.

Mrs Yates said the equipments were vital since they would help fight the scourge of drug trafficking through air-link.