The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Baidoo Bediako, has announced that individuals believed to be owners of some cocaine consignments seized in Ghana are already standing trial at different courts. He made these comments in an interview on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem. According to Mr. Bediako, the cases are being heard at the Kwabenya Court and the Accra High Court. The MP emphasized that some of the alleged owners are facing trial, contrary to suggestions that only couriers or persons found in possession of the drugs are being prosecuted.
Mr. Bediako revealed that the individuals standing trial in the two courts are different, although he declined to disclose their identities because the cases remain subject to legal proceedings. He stated that some of the people whose consignments were intercepted are already standing trial. The MP argued that arresting persons found in possession of illegal drugs is an important part of investigations, as it can help authorities trace the people behind the trafficking operations.
The Akwatia MP used an example to explain the importance of arresting persons found in possession of illegal drugs. He asked, "In every crime, if you want to get to the kingpins, you must first get hold of the person in possession of the item. Otherwise, how do you make progress with the investigation?" This, he believes, is crucial in getting to the financiers and organisers of drug trafficking operations.
Mr. Bediako disclosed that he had information about some of the individuals standing trial but would not publish their names because the allegations against them had not been established in court. He added that "I have the names of some of the people standing trial, but these matters are still allegations. I cannot put their names out there while the cases are before the courts. They are men."
His comments come amid debate over whether investigations into recent cocaine seizures are adequately targeting the financiers and organisers of drug trafficking operations. There have been concerns that only low-level operatives are being arrested and prosecuted, while the main culprits behind the trafficking operations remain at large.
Ghana has been a significant source of cocaine seized at Antwerp, Belgium. In 2025, Ghana was ranked 5th in terms of cocaine seized at Antwerp. The country has been working to combat drug trafficking, with various seizures made in recent times. The Akwatia MP's comments suggest that efforts are being made to target the owners of seized consignments.
The issue of cocaine seizures and trafficking has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of investigations and prosecutions. While some have argued that more needs to be done to target the financiers and organisers of drug trafficking operations, others believe that progress is being made. The Akwatia MP's comments provide insight into the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Ghana.
Key points
- The owners of some seized cocaine consignments in Ghana are standing trial.
- The cases are being heard at the Kwabenya Court and the Accra High Court.
- The individuals standing trial in the two courts are different.
