Like all patriotic Ghanaians, I am deeply concerned about the recent report of a drug bust in another jurisdiction, the origin of which was traced to one of Ghanaโs ports.
Clearly, these incidents could have only been occasioned by weak monitoring and inspection systems at our ports.
In Ghana, the body mandated to monitor, regulate, enforce and control the trafficking of narcotics is the Narcotics Contol Commission (NACOC). It is therefore intriguing, that the NACOC was completely removed from the list of Port Inspection Agencies by government in June 2018.
While it is unclear what may have informed that decision in 2018, it is clear that the said decision weakened NACOCโs port inspection function and denied them the ability to detect and prevent drug trafficking through the countryโs port of entry and exit.
It is therefore refreshing to learn that President Mahama has directed that effective immediately, NACOC be restored to the list of Port Inspection Agencies and granted unfettered access to all entry and exit points; by air, land and sea.
As someone, who has closely worked with the Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey-led NACOC in fighting gold-smuggling, I am confident that with the necessary support, the NACOC will succeed in stemming this tide.
I also understand that the President has directed that all scanners and personnel at our ports be changed, effective immediately.
I believe that these measures, if implemented effectively, will strengthen checks and control at our ports to forestall the reccurrence of these unfortunate incidents.
NPP CANNOT WIN THE COCAINE DEBATE IN GHANA
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1. On 3rd April 2017, a Ghanaian by name Suraka Suala Madugu was arrested at the KIA for swallowing heroin and arriving from Nairobi to Ghana.
2. โ Again in 2017, about 10.6kg of heroin was confiscated by Narccoc officials at the KIA after same was imported by a Kenyan into Ghana.
3. โ In January 2018, about 56kg of cocaine was seized at Ghana Post. 6 Ghanaians were involved.
4. On 3rd April 2019, Ghana again seized $1.44m and โฌ255k belonging to a Lebanese national involved in narco-terrorism. A then DAG and a notable political figure cum lawyer settled the matter and released the money to the accused after initially being arraigned before court.
5. About 1.1ton of cocaine was seized in Belgium in December 2023 involving a Ghanaian alleged to be close to some then Govt officials.
6. Two private jets (Gulfstreams 3$4) allegedly delivered about 45 tonnes of cocaine to Ghana in December 2023. The jets are currently confiscated and are packed at the Airforce Base here in Accra.
7. In March 2024, Ghana arrested a South African and a Nigerian at the airport with about 13.76tons of heroin from Thailand.
8. About 166kg of cocaine was seized at the KIA in June 2024 involving 2 British nationals
9. About 76kg of cocaine was seized at DHL depot facility at the KIA in July 2024.
10. Prior to all the above, arguably the greatest drug bust happened sometime in 2008 when an incredible 399kg of cocaine was arrested in Nsawam. Only 2 drivers were arrested in that matter till date.
The US Dept of State as far back as January 2009, stated the ff in its Report:
โGhana is a transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly cocaine from South America, as well as heroin from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Although Europe is the main destination, drugs also transit to the United States through Accraโs Kotoka International Airport. Drug trafficking is fueling domestic drug consumption. Local use of cannabis, heroin, and cocaine remains a problem.โ
So letโs stop the politics and support Govt efforts to fight the drug menace as a Nation. We were declared a drug trafficking hub under an Npp Govt in 2008.