The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has raised concerns that repeated international cocaine seizures linked to consignments from Ghana could have wider consequences for the country’s global trade and reputation.
According to the organisation, the recent seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in Dunkirk, France, has heightened concerns about Ghana’s possible exposure to international narcotics trafficking networks.
The cocaine was reportedly concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana.
Following the seizure, Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) launched investigations and arrested suspects believed to be connected to the shipment.
The CDM said the development should be treated as a serious national security and economic concern because of its potential impact on Ghana’s international trade relations.
The organisation noted that Ghana had over the years built a reputation as a trusted participant in international commerce and diplomacy.
It warned that repeated drug trafficking cases involving consignments linked to the country could affect the confidence of foreign partners in Ghanaian exports and shipping routes.
The group also expressed concern about possible consequences for ordinary Ghanaians.
It said increased suspicion surrounding Ghana-linked consignments could result in greater scrutiny of legitimate businesses and exporters.
Ghanaian travellers could also face additional checks at international borders as authorities in other countries respond to the growing number of narcotics cases.
The CDM is therefore calling for stronger measures to prevent Ghana’s ports and borders from being exploited by drug trafficking networks.
It wants security and law enforcement agencies to improve their coordination and strengthen controls along the country’s supply chain.
The organisation is also advocating a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into the repeated seizures.
It believes such an investigation could help establish how the consignments passed through Ghana’s systems, identify any weaknesses and determine where accountability may be required.
The CDM said addressing the problem would be necessary to protect Ghana’s international standing while ensuring that legitimate businesses and travellers are not unfairly affected by the actions of criminal networks.
