The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has endorsed calls by Members of Parliament for the legislature to be recalled from recess to examine Ghana’s response to the trafficking of narcotic drugs.
The Minority in Parliament has petitioned the Speaker for an urgent recall to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shipment of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine linked to Ghana, arguing that the matter warrants immediate parliamentary scrutiny due to its national security implications.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, the Bishops described the proposed parliamentary oversight as “legitimate and necessary” and called for the process to begin without delay.
They, however, urged Parliament to handle the matter with the seriousness it requires and cautioned against allowing partisan interests to overshadow the proceedings.
“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 responsible for the Interior, Transport and National Security, together with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Immigration Service and National Intelligence Bureau, should account for the effectiveness of measures in place at Ghana’s ports, airports and other entry points.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the country’s security agencies to develop a blueprint to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and improve Ghana’s response to drug trafficking and other related security threats.
