The Member of Parliament for Madina and a member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, has called for a full investigation into the seizure of a cocaine shipment worth about $260 million by French authorities.
He said the incident could damage Ghana’s reputation internationally, especially after years of efforts to build the country’s image as a responsible and trusted member of the international community.
French customs authorities on Thursday, September 10, seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the northern port of Dunkirk. The drugs were hidden inside a container carrying plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana.
According to France’s organised crime prosecutor’s office, part of the shipment was reportedly headed for Antwerp in Belgium.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, September 13, Dr Sosu said the matter must be taken seriously and investigated quickly.
He noted that Ghana has built a strong reputation for democratic governance, good international relations and cooperation with other countries.
Dr Sosu said President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government had made important efforts to strengthen Ghana’s position on the international stage.
He also praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his efforts to improve Ghana’s image abroad and promote the country as a nation that values integrity and democratic principles.
However, Dr Sosu warned that the progress Ghana has made could be affected by individuals who may try to use the country’s international connections for their own benefit.
“This hard-earned reputation must not be dented by the actions of a few self-serving individuals who may seek to illegally enrich themselves at the expense of the State,” he said.
Dr Sosu called on the relevant Ghanaian authorities to investigate how the shipment left Ghana and determine whether any individuals or organisations in the country were involved in the alleged cocaine trafficking operation.
He said anyone found to be involved must face the law, regardless of their position, influence or connections.
“Accordingly, I believe the reported seizure by French authorities of a cocaine consignment valued at approximately $260 million must be thoroughly investigated, and any persons found culpable must be brought to book,” he added.
The Madina MP stressed that Ghana’s international reputation is an important national asset. He said it must be protected through transparency, accountability and the strict enforcement of the law.
