The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has expressed support for President John Dramani Mahama's decision to establish an inter-agency task force aimed at combating the movement of narcotic drugs through Ghana's ports, airports, and borders. This move is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening the country's response to the growing threat of drug trafficking and abuse. The Bishops also commended the Narcotics Control Commission and other state agencies for their efforts in this area.
The Bishops' endorsement comes in the wake of a significant seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France, allegedly concealed in a container of plastic waste from Ghana. This incident highlights the need for enhanced surveillance, accountability, and coordination at Ghana's ports, airports, and borders. The Conference has called for a thorough investigation to determine how such a large consignment passed through legitimate commercial channels.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among state institutions and international partners to disrupt trafficking networks and prevent Ghana from being used as a transit point for illicit drugs. They also urged continued cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and their French counterparts to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network connected to the seizure.
The Bishops noted that the Dunkirk seizure should be viewed within the context of a wider national challenge, citing other narcotics interceptions linked to Ghana in recent years. They expressed concern over the alleged involvement of people in positions of trust, including public officials and some members of the Church, in facilitating the movement of illicit substances.
The Conference stressed that the fight against drug trafficking must include anyone who abuses public trust to facilitate the movement of illicit substances. They further urged investigators to look beyond couriers and identify the financiers and principal traffickers behind the trade, emphasizing that a credible national response requires addressing the networks that finance trafficking.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference described illicit drug trafficking and abuse as a serious national concern and a profound moral crisis. They urged coordinated and sustained action to address the problem, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond mere law enforcement.
The Bishops' statement concluded by reiterating the importance of a collaborative effort to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Ghana. They emphasized that a sustained and coordinated response is necessary to address the complex issues surrounding drug trafficking and to prevent Ghana from being used as a transit point for illicit drugs.
Key points
- The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference supports President Mahama's anti-drug task force.
- The Bishops call for sustained collaboration among state institutions and international partners.
- The Conference urges investigators to identify the financiers and principal traffickers behind the trade.
