The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has backed calls for Parliament to be recalled from recess to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shipment of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine linked to Ghana.
The Minority in Parliament has petitioned the Speaker for the recall, arguing that the matter raises serious national security concerns and requires urgent parliamentary oversight.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, the Bishops described the proposed parliamentary scrutiny as “legitimate and necessary” and called for the process to begin without delay.
The Conference, however, urged Parliament to handle the matter with the seriousness it deserves and avoid allowing partisan interests to overshadow the investigation.
“We urge that any sitting proceed without delay, with the sobriety proper to a matter of this gravity rather than partisan point-scoring, and that every institution cooperate fully and transparently,” the statement said.
The Bishops said the Ministers for the Interior, Transport and National Security, alongside key agencies including the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Immigration Service and National Intelligence Bureau, must account for the effectiveness of measures in place at Ghana’s entry points.
Their call comes as concerns grow over Ghana’s ability to prevent the movement of narcotics through its borders, ports and other entry points.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the security agencies to develop a blueprint to improve inter-agency collaboration and strengthen Ghana’s response to drug trafficking and related security threats.
