President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Most Reverend Matthew Kwesi Gyamfi, has called for investigations into cocaine trafficking in Ghana to identify and prosecute all individuals involved, regardless of their political or social status.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Most Rev. Gyamfi said the government’s investigation into the cocaine trade must go beyond identifying low-level suspects and establish who brings the drugs into the country, who receives them and how they are moved through Ghana.
He questioned how such consignments enter the country and the processes through which they are received, repackaged and transported to other destinations.
“But having said that, who brought the cocaine to Ghana? Who received it in Ghana? Through which borders or which airports? Who are those who receive them? Who are those who repackage them to be sent to Europe or Syria?” he asked.
Most Rev. Gyamfi also questioned the checks in place at Ghana’s ports and airports to establish who owns consignments containing illicit drugs and how they are able to pass through the country.
He said previous investigations into drug trafficking had resulted in arrests and prosecutions, but expressed concern that the public often does not know what eventually happens to those involved.
According to him, the lack of clarity over the outcome of such cases could encourage others to engage in drug trafficking.
He therefore urged the government to ensure that the current investigation reaches everyone involved in the cocaine trade.
“This time, when the government has set up a committee, there are investigations to lead to people, no matter who they are, whether politicians, whether big shorts, whether very rich people or whoever, we expect that investigation really gets to them,” he said.
He called for suspects identified through the investigation to be arrested, prosecuted and given proportionate punishment to serve as a deterrent to others.
Most Rev. Gyamfi said the issue goes beyond Ghana’s internal security, arguing that drug trafficking also has implications for the country’s international reputation and the wellbeing of its citizens.
He further urged authorities to pay attention not only to the trafficking of cocaine but also to the growing use of other illicit drugs within Ghanaian communities, particularly among young people.
He said a comprehensive response was necessary to prevent drug trafficking and abuse from causing further harm to the country.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
