The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has expressed deep concern over the country's illicit drug trafficking and abuse, describing it as a serious national issue and a profound moral crisis. The Bishops' statement comes after the recent seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France, allegedly hidden in a container of plastic waste from Ghana. This incident highlights the need for stronger surveillance and accountability at Ghana's ports, airports, and borders.
The Bishops have called for thorough investigations to determine how such a large consignment passed through legitimate commercial channels. They commended the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and other state agencies involved in combating the drug trade. The Conference also welcomed President John Dramani Mahama's formation of an inter-agency task force to tackle the movement of narcotic drugs through Ghana's ports, airports, and borders.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference emphasized that the Dunkirk seizure should be viewed within the context of a wider national problem. The country has witnessed several narcotics interceptions linked to Ghana in recent years. The Bishops expressed concern over the alleged involvement of people in positions of trust, including public officials and members of the Church, in the drug trade.
The Conference urged investigators to look beyond couriers and identify the financiers and principal traffickers behind the trade. They stressed that a pattern in which couriers are prosecuted while the networks that finance them escape scrutiny is a failure that any credible national response must overcome. The Bishops called for continued cooperation with French authorities to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference commended the efforts of NACOC and other state agencies involved in combating the drug trade. They also urged the government to take a comprehensive approach to address the issue, including public education and rehabilitation programs for drug addicts. The Bishops emphasized that the fight against drug trafficking must include anyone who abuses public trust to facilitate the movement of illicit substances.
The seizure of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France has raised questions about the security of Ghana's ports, airports, and borders. The Bishops' statement highlights the need for improved surveillance and accountability to prevent such large consignments from passing through. The incident has also sparked concerns about the involvement of organized crime groups in the drug trade.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has reiterated its commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to combat the drug trade. The Bishops emphasized that a coordinated national response is necessary to address the issue effectively. They called for a comprehensive approach that includes public education, rehabilitation programs, and law enforcement efforts to prevent the movement of illicit substances.
Key points
- The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has called for urgent action against drug trafficking
- The Bishops have commended NACOC and other state agencies involved in combating the drug trade
- The Conference has urged investigators to identify the financiers and principal traffickers behind the trade
