The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference in Accra has welcomed President John Dramani Mahama decision to establish an inter-agency task force to tackle movement of narcotic drugs through ports, airports and borders on September 21 2026. The Bishops commended Narcotics Control Commission and other state agencies for efforts to combat illicit trafficking and praised measures as important steps to strengthen national response.
Their comments follow recent seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in Dunkirk France allegedly concealed in a container of plastic waste shipped from Ghana. The Conference said the seizure underscored need for stronger surveillance, accountability and coordination at Ghana ports, airports and borders. It called for thorough investigation to establish how such large consignment allegedly passed through legitimate commercial channels and urged continued cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and French counterparts.
The Bishops said Dunkirk case must be viewed within wider national challenge citing other narcotics interceptions linked to Ghana in recent years. They expressed concern over alleged involvement of people in positions of trust including public officials and regrettably some members of the Church. The fight must include anyone who abuses public trust to facilitate movement of illicit substances the statement said.
According to the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, a pattern in which couriers are prosecuted while networks that finance them escape scrutiny is the failure any credible national response must overcome. The Bishops urged investigators to look beyond couriers and identify financiers and principal traffickers behind the trade. They called for sustained collaboration among state institutions and international partners to dismantle trafficking networks and prevent Ghana from being used as transit point.
The evergreen explainer is that Narcotics Control Commission NACOC operates under Ministry of Interior with mandate to enforce drug laws, conduct seizures and prosecute traffickers under Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 Act 1019. Similar to how CSSPS regulates school placement, WASSCE grading standardizes results and Energy Commission licensing controls electrical installations, NACOC licensing and inter-agency task forces ensure coordinated border control. Illicit drug trafficking is classified as serious felony in Ghana with severe custodial sentences and asset forfeiture, while moral and public health implications affect youth and community safety.
The Conference described illicit drug trafficking and abuse as serious national concern and profound moral crisis urging coordinated and sustained action. The Bishops demanded dismantling of networks and accountability for all actors who facilitate trade. The call adds strong moral voice to government efforts as Ghana strengthens surveillance at ports to protect international reputation and national security.
Source: #Howedey.com
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Author: Korkor Anumu
