The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is calling for the immediate removal of heads of key state institutions in Ghana, following a major drug trafficking case. Nearly 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine, worth about €225 million, was seized by French customs authorities on September 10. The cocaine was concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana at the Port of Dunkirk.
National Organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, made the demand in an interview on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem. He expressed concerns over a series of major narcotics cases involving Ghana and accused the government of failing to take adequate action against officials responsible for preventing and detecting drug trafficking. Nana B stated that the institutional heads and ministers they report to must be removed.
Nana B specifically mentioned several institutions whose heads he believes should be sacked. These include the Ghana Ports and Habour Authority, Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Shippers Authority, Narcotics Control Commission, National Security Coordinator, National Intelligence Bureau, Ghana Airport Company Limited, and the Customs Division. He argued that the fact that the shipment was intercepted only after leaving Ghana made the matter particularly serious.
The NPP's demand follows criticism of the government's handling of the case. Nana B cited a video where Honourable Muntaka mentioned that French authorities appear not to want to collaborate with Ghanaian authorities due to a loss of confidence. Nana B believes this statement alone should have triggered the removal or resignation of the officials involved.
The Minority in Parliament has also been pushing for a bipartisan inquiry into a series of drug-related cases. They have petitioned the Speaker to recall Parliament to investigate the matter. This call for an inquiry comes amid concerns over the government's ability to prevent and detect drug trafficking.
The seizure of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine has raised questions about how it passed through Ghana's port and security systems without being detected. The incident has embarrassed Ghana internationally, according to Nana B, who is calling for proactive and drastic measures to address the issue.
The NPP's demand for the removal of institutional heads has added to the growing pressure on the government to take action against officials involved in the drug trafficking case. The government has yet to respond to the NPP's demands, but it is clear that the issue will continue to be a major concern for Ghana in the coming days.
Key points
- The NPP demands the immediate removal of institutional heads responsible for port operations, maritime security, narcotics control, intelligence, and customs.
- Nearly 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine, worth about €225 million, was seized by French customs authorities on September 10.
- The Minority in Parliament has petitioned the Speaker to recall Parliament for a bipartisan inquiry into a series of drug-related cases.
