Accra, July 29, GNA - The United States Government and the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a facility within the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to support counter-narcotics activities. Both governments - Ghana and the US - have agreed to build a 75,000-dollar climate-controlled facility to house drug detection equipment and personnel at the KIA to enhance processing of narcotic suspects.

The project is a joint effort between the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), the US Embassy in Accra and the NACOB. The facility, when completed and fully operational is expected to amplify the ability of the NACOB and its partners to detect narcotics traffickers.

US Charge d'Affaires, Sue Brown, said the agreement was a "step toward strengthening the already significant level of law enforcement cooperation between the United States and Ghana" that would boost the country's aptitude to tackling the problem of narcotics trafficking in the sub-region.

She said without dedicated and active cooperation, it would be impossible to counter the threat from the narcotics trade, adding that the US remained committed to partnering to Ghana face the challenge associated with the menace.

Mr Ben Botwe, NACOB Executive Secretary, expressed appreciation for the support of the US government and said he was optimistic that the facility would advance the mission of the Board.