Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to provide evidence on allegations of drug trafficking rather than making public accusations. Speaking on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem, Mr Gbande emphasized the need for collective action to tackle the illicit trade. He urged the NPP to assist investigations with their evidence or give the government a break.
Mr Gbande's comments follow a press conference by NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, who criticized President John Mahama over the issue and raised concerns about Ghana's international reputation. Boakye claimed that Ghanaian travelers and exporters were increasingly subjected to additional scrutiny at international airports due to concerns over narcotics trafficking. Mr Gbande questioned the NPP's credibility to lead public discussions on drug trafficking.
The Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency cited the NPP's record during its eight years in government, implying that they should not lecture the current administration on the issue. He urged the NPP to bring onboard any evidence they have, rather than making public declarations. According to Mr Gbande, the fight against illicit drugs requires the involvement of all stakeholders.
Mr Gbande emphasized that if the NPP has evidence concerning alleged involvement of individuals in drug trafficking, they should make it available to assist the President and security agencies. He described the NPP's press conference as "just noise" with nothing substantial. The Deputy NDC General Secretary urged the NPP to allow the current administration to handle the matter.
The issue has sparked concerns about the potential impact on Ghana's international reputation. The Minority has petitioned the Speaker to recall Parliament to discuss the matter. Mr Gbande's comments have added to the growing debate on the issue. The government has been urged to take a proactive approach to addressing the problem.
The NPP's concerns about drug trafficking were raised after 80 bags of cocaine were seized at Ghana's ports. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the government's handling of the issue. Mr Gbande's call for evidence has been seen as an attempt to shift the focus from politics to substance.
The debate on drug trafficking is expected to continue, with stakeholders calling for a collective approach to tackling the issue. The government has been urged to take a firm stance on the matter. The NDC and NPP have been engaged in a war of words over the issue, with each side accusing the other of politicizing the matter.
Key points
- Mustapha Gbande urges NPP to provide evidence on drug trafficking allegations
- NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, criticizes President John Mahama over drug trafficking issue
- Government urged to take collective approach to tackling drug trafficking problem
