Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has criticized the Ghanaian government for not taking decisive action against the country's growing drug trafficking crisis. Speaking on Joy News' PM Express, he questioned why no heads of relevant state agencies had been removed despite a series of major drug-related incidents linked to Ghana. Fordjour emphasized that about 16 agencies are part of the relevant value chain, with five closely connected to the current controversy.
The criticism comes after the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France on September 10, concealed in a container of plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana. This incident has renewed scrutiny of Ghana's role in international drug trafficking. The Minority has reported that major drug seizures linked to Ghana over the past two years have exceeded US$1 billion and has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to recall the House for an inquiry.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has also called for an urgent and coordinated national response to the narcotics threat, emphasizing the need for deeper investigations into the networks behind major shipments. Fordjour stressed that the President must demonstrate stronger political will to confront the situation, suggesting that the President is not willing or ready to solve the problem.
Fordjour also defended the Minority's move to trigger Article 112(3) of the Constitution to have Parliament recalled, stating that the required 15% threshold had been exceeded. He confirmed that signatures, a petition, and a memorandum had been filed with the Speaker last week. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, but a notice of recall has not yet been issued.
Fordjour warned that the consequences of drug trafficking extend beyond narcotics, linking the trade to money laundering and terrorism. He emphasized that the country needs leadership capable of responding decisively to the growing threat. The Assin South MP also linked the drug trade to illegal mining communities, warning that Ghana could become increasingly vulnerable to non-state actors if the trafficking networks are not confronted.
The Minority's call for an inquiry is aimed at finding solutions that restore Ghana to its glory. Fordjour stressed that the inquiry should not become a partisan exercise, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan committee to investigate the issue. He expressed concern that Ghana's inaction could lead to increased vulnerability to terrorists and other non-state actors.
The issue has sparked significant concern, with various stakeholders calling for urgent action. The government is yet to respond to the allegations of inaction, but Fordjour's comments have added to the growing pressure on the administration to take decisive action against drug trafficking. The country's response to the crisis will be crucial in determining its vulnerability to related threats.
Key points
- Rev. Ntim Fordjour accuses Ghanaian government of failing to act on growing drug trafficking crisis
- Minority petitions Speaker of Parliament to recall House for inquiry into drug trafficking
- Fordjour links drug trade to money laundering, terrorism, and illegal mining communities
