Former Presidential Staffer under the Akufo-Addo administration, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has expressed concern over the recent cocaine arrests at Ghana's ports, calling on the Mahama administration to take responsibility and address the issue. Aboagye, who is also an aspiring Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), noted that the number of drug-related arrests in the last two years is alarming, with most occurring after the cocaine has gone through ports and airports.
The criticism comes in response to comments made by Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of GoldBod, who welcomed President John Dramani Mahama's directive to restore the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to Ghana's list of Port Inspection Agencies. Gyamfi argued that the recent drug trafficking incident raised questions about the effectiveness of monitoring and inspection systems at Ghana's ports, citing the removal of NACOC from the list in June 2018 as a contributing factor.
Aboagye countered Gyamfi's claims, stating that the attempts to shift blame onto a 2018 cabinet decision are disingenuous and reveal a selective interpretation of facts. He pointed to a 2020 news report of a cocaine bust at Terminal 3, which occurred after the supposed memo that opened Ghana's ports for drug trafficking, undermining the narrative that the 2018 decision was the cause of the recent surge.
According to Aboagye, the 2018 Cabinet Memo streamlined inspection processes to reduce repetitive searches, not eliminate NACOC's role in combating narcotics. He cited the 2020 incident, where NACOC and the National Security Council (NSC) worked together to clear, surveil, and ultimately bust a container containing cocaine, as evidence that the system worked as intended.
Aboagye also highlighted the collaboration between NACOC, NSC, and clearing agents like Global Cargo and Commodities Ltd, which played a crucial role in the 2020 bust. He argued that instead of engaging in political blame-shifting, the current administration should focus on closing operational gaps, improving intelligence, and enhancing inter-agency coordination to address the issue of narcotics trafficking.
The aspiring NPP Director of Communications further questioned the government's inaction, citing the blocked attempt by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to purchase two additional sea vessels for Ghana's Naval Forces for marine surveillance. Aboagye urged the government to explain why they have not taken concrete steps to address the issue, which puts every Ghanaian at risk, including travelers, the tourism industry, and businesses.
The surge in cocaine and illicit drug trade in Ghana has raised concerns about the country's global reputation and integrity. With the number of drug-related arrests on the rise, Aboagye's call for action and accountability from the government has become more pressing. The government must now address the issue and provide a comprehensive solution to prevent further incidents.
Key points
- Dennis Miracles Aboagye criticizes the Mahama administration for not addressing the recent surge in cocaine trafficking in Ghana.
- Aboagye disputes Sammy Gyamfi's claims that a 2018 cabinet decision contributed to the recent drug trafficking incidents.
- The issue of narcotics trafficking in Ghana requires a comprehensive solution, including improved intelligence, inter-agency coordination, and concrete steps from the government.
