The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called for urgent and coordinated action to fight illegal drug trafficking and drug abuse in the country.
The Bishops described the growing drug problem as a serious national concern and a major moral issue that requires the attention of everyone.
They said the recent seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France, which was allegedly hidden in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana, shows the need for stronger checks and accountability at Ghana’s ports, airports and borders.
In a statement, the Bishops said investigations must determine how such a large quantity of cocaine allegedly passed through normal commercial channels.
The Conference commended the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and other state agencies for their efforts to fight drug trafficking. It also called for continued cooperation with French authorities to help uncover the full network behind the shipment.
The Bishops also welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to establish an inter-agency task force to tackle the movement of narcotic drugs through Ghana’s ports, airports and borders.
According to the Conference, the cocaine seizure in Dunkirk should not be treated as an isolated incident. They pointed to several other drug seizures linked to Ghana in recent years as evidence of a wider national problem.
The Bishops also raised concerns about the 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 the movement of illicit substances,” the statement said.
The Conference further urged authorities to look beyond the people who physically transport the drugs and investigate those who finance and organise the trade.
“A pattern in which couriers are prosecuted while the networks that finance them escape scrutiny is the failure any credible national response must overcome.”
