Richard Anning of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has questioned the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he described as the party’s recurring association with cocaine-related cases, saying such incidents raise concerns about Ghana’s security system and international reputation.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s EBAANOSEN, hosted by Ohene Kinnah, Mr. Anning claimed that Ghana did not experience major cocaine-related controversies during the eight-year administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He said recent incidents, however, had raised questions about the effectiveness of the country’s current security arrangements, particularly at its ports and airports.
Mr. Anning stressed that cocaine trafficking should not be reduced to political propaganda, describing drug trafficking as a serious criminal offence that must be dealt with irrespective of the political affiliation of persons involved.
He questioned why individuals allegedly linked to the NDC had reportedly surfaced in some drug-related cases and challenged the party to provide any information that could assist the security agencies in their investigations.
The NPP communicator also expressed concern over reports of cocaine allegedly intercepted in foreign countries, including France and Australia, with links to Ghana.
According to him, such incidents could have serious implications for Ghana’s international image and potentially undermine confidence in the country’s ports and airports at a time when efforts are being made to strengthen national security systems.
Mr. Anning called on President John Dramani Mahama and the security agencies to take firm action to protect Ghana’s borders and entry points.
He maintained that no individual should be considered above the law, insisting that anyone suspected of involvement in drug-related offences must be subjected to proper investigation and, where the evidence supports it, prosecuted through the appropriate legal processes.
He further urged the government to demonstrate the political will to tighten security at Ghana’s ports, airports and other entry points to prevent the country from becoming a transit route for illicit drugs.
Mr. Anning said the fight against drug trafficking and the protection of Ghana’s international reputation should be treated as national priorities rather than partisan political issues.
By: Ernest Kumi
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