The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called for urgent and coordinated action to tackle illicit drug trafficking and abuse, following the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France.
In a statement, the Bishops said the seizure, involving cocaine allegedly concealed in a container of plastic waste from Ghana, raises concerns about how such a large consignment was able to move through legitimate commercial channels.
They called for thorough investigations into the shipment and urged authorities to strengthen surveillance and accountability at Ghana’s ports, airports and borders.
The Conference also welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to establish an inter-agency task force to address the movement of narcotics through the country’s entry points.
The Bishops commended the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and other state institutions for their efforts, while stressing the need for closer cooperation with French authorities to uncover the wider network behind the seizure.
They further urged investigators to look beyond couriers and pursue those who finance and organise drug trafficking operations.
The Conference expressed concern over alleged involvement in the drug trade by people in positions of trust, including public officials and some members of the Church.
It said Ghana’s response must focus on dismantling trafficking networks rather than limiting prosecutions to individuals who transport the drugs
See the statement below,
