Questions are being raised over Ghana’s ability to detect large-scale narcotics trafficking after a series of major drug seizures linked to the country, with Akosua Manu calling for closer scrutiny of the systems protecting the nation’s borders.
The Advisor on Gender and Social Protection to NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said the scale of recent drug cases demanded an examination of the effectiveness of agencies responsible for preventing Ghana from being used as a transit point for international narcotics trafficking.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Tuesday, September 22, Ms Manu said drug trafficking was not a problem unique to any particular government, but argued that the scale of recent cases was a source of concern.
“The drug fight is not exempt to any administration. It’s the quantum and the excessiveness of it,” she said.
Her comments followed the interception by French authorities of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana.
Ms Manu questioned how such a large quantity of narcotics could leave or pass through Ghana without detection, despite the country having institutions responsible for monitoring its borders and entry and exit points.
She specifically raised questions about the effectiveness of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security and airport security authorities in detecting and preventing large-scale trafficking operations.
According to her, the recent cases should prompt a comprehensive review of the mechanisms used to monitor Ghana’s ports, airports and other points of entry and exit.
She said the issue had persisted across successive governments, recalling that drug-related cases had also been recorded during previous administrations dating back to the Rawlings era.
“When you have to explain why, in a sudden, in under a year, $1 billion is transiting in this small country of ours, 34 million people, then there’s a problem,” she said.
Ms Manu called for greater institutional scrutiny and stronger monitoring systems to ensure that Ghana did not become a preferred transit route for international drug traffickers.
She said the focus should be on identifying gaps in the country’s security architecture and strengthening the capacity of relevant agencies to detect and disrupt trafficking networks.
