The Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG) has urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into recent narcotics seizures linked to the country. The party's Communication Director, Donald Dzameshie, stated that investigations should go beyond arresting suspected couriers and shippers to uncover the wider networks allegedly financing and facilitating trafficking operations. PAG's presidential candidate, Dr John Enyonam Kpikpi, also weighed in on the issue.
PAG expressed concerns over the scale of recent drug seizures, questioning how large consignments of illicit drugs moved through Ghanaian systems undetected. The party called on authorities to "follow the drugs and follow the money," establishing who financed and organised shipments, and whether individuals or networks within Ghana facilitated their movement. This would involve scrutinising the country's ports, borders, security agencies, and regulatory institutions.
The party also called on Parliament to exercise its oversight responsibilities and demand explanations from relevant institutions over the circumstances surrounding the narcotics seizures. PAG stressed that the issue should not become a political contest between the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Instead, it urged a national response involving security agencies, Parliament, and other relevant institutions.
PAG emphasised that accountability must be based on evidence and due process. Officials who failed in their responsibilities should face consequences, while individuals found to have engaged in criminal conduct must be dealt with according to the law. However, the party cautioned against condemning individuals merely because their names were mentioned in political statements.
The party warned that the issue could have implications beyond Ghana's domestic security, particularly if the country is perceived as a transit point for international narcotics networks. PAG called for stronger security measures at Ghana's ports and borders, improved intelligence-sharing among relevant institutions, and enhanced systems for detecting and disrupting international drug-trafficking networks.
PAG urged that any task force established to investigate the matter should have a clearly defined mandate and measurable outcomes. The party cautioned against establishing another committee whose report could ultimately receive little or no follow-up. According to PAG, Ghanaians deserve answers, and authorities must establish how the consignments moved through the system.
The issue has raised concerns about Ghana's international reputation, with PAG calling for a thorough investigation to restore public trust and confidence in the country's security and regulatory institutions. The party's demands come amid growing concerns over the country's role in the global narcotics trade.
Key points
- PAG calls for comprehensive investigation into narcotics seizures
- Party urges Parliament to demand explanations from relevant institutions
- Accountability must be based on evidence and due process
