The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has supported calls by Members of Parliament for Parliament to be recalled from recess to look into the country’s response to drug trafficking.
The Minority in Parliament has petitioned the Speaker to recall the House to investigate the circumstances surrounding a 3.9-tonne cocaine shipment linked to Ghana. They say the issue needs urgent parliamentary attention because of its possible national security implications.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 21, the Bishops described the parliamentary oversight as “legitimate and necessary” and called for the process to begin without delay.
However, the Bishops have urged Parliament to handle the matter seriously and avoid allowing political differences to take over the proceedings.
“We urge that any sitting proceed without delay, with the sobriety proper to a matter of this gravity rather than partisan point-scoring, and that every institution cooperate fully and transparently.” the statement said.
The Bishops also said key government institutions must explain how effective Ghana’s systems are at preventing drug trafficking through the country’s entry points.
They specifically mentioned the Ministers for the Interior, Transport and National Security, as well as the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Immigration Service and National Intelligence Bureau.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the country’s security agencies to prepare a plan to improve cooperation among the various agencies and strengthen Ghana’s efforts to fight drug trafficking and other related security threats.
