The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana has clarified that its background checks on suspects arrested in connection with the €225 million cocaine bust in France do not establish any of them as a presidential escort. This clarification comes after New Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah claimed that one of the suspects, Musah Atta, is allegedly a member of the Presidential and Vice Presidential escort. NACOC's Deputy Director-General, Alexander Twum-Barimah, stated that preliminary checks on the suspects' backgrounds did not reveal any connection to the presidential escort.
The claim by MP Assafuah sparked concerns about the involvement of a presidential security operative in a high-profile cocaine case. In a Facebook post, Assafuah questioned how a presidential security operative could be linked to such a case and who granted access. He also wondered who was watching the security operatives. The post generated significant interest and raised questions about the potential involvement of security personnel in illicit activities.
Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Alexander Twum-Barimah, appeared on TV3's Hot Issues to address the claims. He stated that NACOC had conducted thorough background checks on all suspects in custody and was aware of their backgrounds. According to Twum-Barimah, none of the suspects in custody have been identified as a presidential escort. He emphasized that if there were any further information, it would aid investigations.
Twum-Barimah also explained that, per security standards, one cannot serve as a close escort to both the President and Vice President simultaneously. He noted that such a dual role is not feasible and that each VIP has a dedicated team. This explanation casts doubt on the claim made by MP Assafuah. Twum-Barimah stressed that NACOC relies on verifiable information and cannot confirm unsubstantiated claims.
The France cocaine bust, valued at €225 million, is a significant seizure that highlights the ongoing efforts to combat international narcotics trafficking. The case has generated interest globally, and the involvement of Ghanaian suspects has raised questions about the country's role in the global narcotics trade. NACOC's clarification aims to provide transparency and address concerns about the potential involvement of security personnel.
The Deputy Director-General of NACOC emphasized the importance of verifying information before making public claims. He stated that NACOC is committed to thorough investigations and relies on credible evidence. The Commission's efforts to clarify the backgrounds of the suspects demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The case will likely continue to be monitored closely by authorities and the public. NACOC's clarification provides an update on the ongoing investigations, and further developments are expected. The incident highlights the complexities of international narcotics trafficking and the need for cooperation between countries to combat such crimes.
Key points
- NACOC's background checks do not link any suspect in the France cocaine bust to the presidential escort.
- The claim that a suspect is a presidential escort is unlikely due to security standards.
- NACOC emphasizes the importance of verifying information before making public claims.
