NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande has alleged that some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) could be connected to the recent illegal drug bust, saying he is beginning to suspect their involvement.
Mr Gbande described the incident as a national concern and called on the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the case.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, he said drug trafficking should not be treated as a political matter because of its implications for Ghana’s national security and intelligence systems.
“The illegal drug bust is a matter of concern for every Ghanaian. Anyone involved is an enemy of the state. It is a national concern,” he said.
According to Mr Gbande, drug trafficking is a systemic problem that requires the involvement of security agencies and other state institutions, particularly those responsible for Ghana’s ports and borders.
He said he was encouraged by President John Mahama’s approach to the issue, arguing that the President was taking time to understand the problem before putting measures in place to address it.
“My biggest consolation is that we have a President who is willing to deal with issues carefully and properly, not in a rush. Mahama wants to understand the problem,” he said.
Mr Gbande also disclosed that processes had been activated at the Presidency to strengthen Ghana’s borders and investigate officials who may have facilitated drug-related activities, as well as people who may have benefited from them.
He stressed that tackling drug trafficking was a responsibility that involved all stakeholders and should not be reduced to political exchanges between the NDC and NPP.
“The responsibility is a national one. It is not about press conferences. The NPP should understand that this is a national concern,” he said.
Mr Gbande also criticised calls by the NPP for protests over the drug bust, questioning why the matter should be turned into a political issue while investigations are ongoing.
“If the NPP wants to be on the street, I am beginning to suspect that it is some of their members that may have done it,” he alleged.
He urged political actors to allow the security agencies and port authorities to investigate the case and determine how the problem can be addressed.
“This is a country of rules. Mahama is not a knee-jerk President. We are not solving this to please the NPP,” he added.
