Feature

NPP cannot win cocaine debate in Ghana – Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor writes

On 3rd April 2017, a Ghanaian by name Suraka Suala Madugu was arrested at the KIA for swallowing heroin and arriving from Nairobi to Ghana.
⁠Again in 2017, about 10.6kg of heroin was confiscated by NaRCCO officials at the KIA after same was imported by a Kenyan into Ghana.
⁠In January 2018, about 56kg of cocaine was seized at Ghana Post. 6 Ghanaians were involved.
On 3rd April 2019, Ghana again seized $1.44m and €255k belonging to a Lebanese national involved in narco-terrorism. A then DAG and a notable political figure cum lawyer settled the matter and released the money to the accused after initially being arraigned before court.
About 1.1ton of cocaine was seized in Belgium in December 2023 involving a Ghanaian alleged to be close to some then Govt officials.
Two private jets (Gulfstreams 3$4) allegedly delivered about 45 tonnes of cocaine to Ghana in December 2023. The jets are currently confiscated and are packed at the Airforce Base here in Accra.
In March 2024, Ghana arrested a South African and a Nigerian at the airport with about 13.76tons of heroin from Thailand.
About 166kg of cocaine was seized at the KIA in June 2024 involving 2 British nationals
About 76kg of cocaine was seized at DHL depot facility at the KIA in July 2024.
Prior to all the above, arguably the greatest drug bust happened sometime in 2008 when an incredible 399kg of cocaine was arrested in Nsawam. Only 2 drivers were arrested in that matter till date.

The US Dept of State as far back as January 2009, stated the ff in its Report:

“Ghana is a transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly cocaine from South America, as well as heroin from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Although Europe is the main destination, drugs also transit to the United States through Accra’s Kotoka International Airport. Drug trafficking is fueling domestic drug consumption. Local use of cannabis, heroin, and cocaine remains a problem.”

So let’s stop the politics and fight the drug menace as a Nation. We were declared a drug trafficking hub under an NPP government in 2008.