Security Expert Samuel Owusu says it is unclear why the minister responsible for the Interior Ministry would not be part of a meeting involving several agencies under his ministry.
The reported exclusion of the Interior Minister from a meeting convened by President John Dramani Mahama to discuss concerns over drug trafficking, human trafficking and other international criminal activities has raised questions about the composition of the meeting.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Samuel Owusu said the reported letter inviting participants to the meeting includes the Director of National Intelligence, the Narcotics Control Commission, the Maritime Authority, the Ghana Shippers Authority and other institutions, but does not mention the Interior Minister.
He said the situation raises questions about what informed the decision to leave out the minister while inviting institutions under his responsibility.
“I’ve looked through and I’ve seen a list of people that have been invited, and I can’t find the Minister of Interior, but you can find his agencies invited to the meeting,” he said.
According to him, the omission is particularly significant given the nature of the issues expected to be discussed, including drug trafficking and other serious criminal activities that have implications for Ghana’s security and international reputation.
He further questioned the absence of other key security officials from the reported list, saying the composition of the meeting should be carefully considered when dealing with sensitive international criminal matters.
Samuel Owusu argued that rather than immediately bringing together a large number of officials, the President should first engage a small group of key security officials, receive a comprehensive briefing and subsequently direct the relevant institutions to investigate the matter.
He maintained that such an approach would allow the President to obtain a clearer understanding of the situation before assigning responsibilities and taking further action.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
