Ghana's Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has dismissed the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) call for a parliamentary inquiry into recent cocaine-related cases. In an interview on TV3's Daily Brief, Gbande described the opposition party's demand as "needless", arguing that ongoing investigations should be allowed to proceed without interference. He expressed confidence in the government's commitment to tackling the issue, citing the establishment of a joint task force to investigate the cases.
Gbande emphasized that institutions responsible for managing Ghana's ports have distinct mandates from those tasked with investigating criminal activities. He questioned the basis for claims by NPP communications team member, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, that failures by devices operated by the Ghana Maritime Authority contributed to the movement of narcotics through the ports. Gbande's comments come amid growing public concern over the issue, with many welcoming President John Dramani Mahama's decision to establish a joint task force to investigate the cases.
The controversy surrounding the cocaine cases has sparked a heated debate, with the NPP calling for a parliamentary probe into the matter. However, Gbande believes that such a move would be unnecessary and potentially counterproductive. He argued that the ongoing investigations should be allowed to establish the facts surrounding the cocaine cases, rather than turning the matter into a partisan political dispute.
Gbande expressed his appreciation for the public concern over the issue, describing it as a positive development. He also welcomed President Mahama's decision to establish a joint task force, which he believes demonstrates the government's commitment to tackling the problem. According to Gbande, the President's move shows that he is taking the matter seriously and is willing to take concrete steps to address it.
The NDC Deputy General Secretary also questioned Aboagye's claims about the Ghana Maritime Authority's devices, asking how he had obtained such information. Gbande's skepticism about Aboagye's claims highlights the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. The joint task force established by President Mahama is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the cocaine cases.
The cocaine cases have sparked widespread concern in Ghana, with many Ghanaians calling for swift and decisive action to be taken. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, with some accusing it of being slow to respond. However, Gbande believes that the government's response has been adequate, citing the establishment of the joint task force and the ongoing investigations.
The debate over the parliamentary probe is likely to continue, with the NPP pushing for a full-scale investigation into the matter. However, Gbande's comments suggest that the NDC is opposed to such a move, at least for now. The issue is expected to remain a contentious one, with many Ghanaians eagerly awaiting the outcome of the investigations.
Key points
- The NDC Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande, has rejected the NPP's call for a parliamentary inquiry into recent cocaine-related cases, describing it as "needless".
- Gbande expressed confidence in the government's commitment to tackling the issue, citing the establishment of a joint task force to investigate the cases.
- The controversy has sparked a heated debate, with the NPP pushing for a full-scale investigation into the matter.
