Rev Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member of Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has called on MPs to put Ghana's national interest first in the country's growing drug trafficking crisis. He warned against allowing partisan politics to overshadow the issue, stating that Parliament's response must be driven by the national interest. Fordjour made these comments on Joy News' PM Express, emphasizing the need for a united approach to address the crisis.
Ghana has been linked to a series of major international drug seizures, including the recent interception of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at Dunkirk by French customs on September 10. The consignment, concealed in a container of plastic waste, had arrived from Ghana. Four Ghanaians have since been arraigned before the Accra High Court, while a fifth suspect, Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, remains at large. This seizure adds to a growing list of narcotics cases linked to Ghana.
Fordjour emphasized that the issue must be approached as a national security matter, citing the potential for widespread harm to Ghana's youth and the country's security implications. He linked drug trafficking to money laundering and terrorism, warning of the dangers of complacency. According to Fordjour, a lot of the drugs seized are retained in Ghana, posing a significant threat to the country's youth.
The Minority has invoked Article 112(3) of the Constitution and the relevant Standing Orders to demand an emergency parliamentary sitting to address the crisis. Fordjour stated that Parliament has already secured more than the required 15% of MPs' signatures for a recall, with the petition, signatures, and memorandum filed last week and acknowledged by the Speaker. This would allow Parliament to constitute a bipartisan committee to conduct a full inquiry.
Fordjour criticized the government's handling of the crisis, calling for stronger leadership to address the issue. He urged President Mahama to act decisively upon his return from the UNGA, citing the need for a coordinated national response to the drug menace. The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has also called for a coordinated national response and stronger investigations into the networks behind major drug shipments linked to Ghana.
Fordjour emphasized that the parliamentary inquiry should focus on finding solutions rather than deepening political divisions. He urged MPs to approach the issue with a sense of national responsibility, putting Ghana's interests first. According to Fordjour, the proposed recall would allow Parliament to find solutions that restore Ghana to its glory.
The issue has sparked widespread concern, with over 40 MPs citing seizures linked to Ghana, worth more than US$1 billion, over the past two years. Fordjour's call for a united approach to address the crisis comes as the country faces growing pressure to tackle the issue. The parliamentary inquiry is expected to shed more light on the networks behind the major drug shipments and identify solutions to the crisis.
Key points
- Rev Ntim Fordjour urges MPs to prioritize Ghana's national interest in the country's growing drug trafficking crisis.
- Ghana has been linked to a series of major international drug seizures, including the recent interception of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at Dunkirk.
- The parliamentary inquiry is expected to shed more light on the networks behind the major drug shipments and identify solutions to the crisis.
