The ranking member of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament Rev John Ntim Fordjour has warned the John Mahama government not to turn Ghana into a haven for pirates, drug trafficking and money laundering.
Rev John Ntim Fordjour asserted that Ghana in the past eight years, had been ranked favourably by notable global organisations as the second most peaceful country in Africa.
According to him, it is imperative that under Mahama Ghana does not into a hub for crimes.
Speaking at a press briefing, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, “Ghana in the past eight years, had been ranked favourably by notable global organisations as the second most peaceful country in Africa in respect of crime rate and globally, ahead of Australia and Canada.
“It is therefore imperative that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana continues to be safe and not degenerate into a safe haven for pirates, drug trafficking and money laundering.”
He further stated, “You will recall the diligent attempt of the erstwhile government to procure two offshore vessels for the Ghana Navy in 2024. This plan in its final stages was fiercely opposed by the NDC in parliament, who called for the process to be terminated.
“Indeed, subsequently, the process of purchase was thus aborted. As pirates are aware of Ghana Navy’s lack of offshore patrol vessels, the vulnerabilities of the security of our waters are likely to be exploited by these pirates,” he said.
The ranking member further demanded accountability from the National Security for the gold bars and cash some months ago.
“We demand accountability from the National Security for the gold bars and cash retrieved and what they intend to do with it. The Minority Caucus, as responsible opposition as we are in absolute circumspection, has been patient and originally given two clear months for National Security to communicate the status of their investigation with the public,” he demanded.
Meanwhile, John Mahama has stated his government has zero tolerance for using Ghana as a transit or final destination for drugs or drug trafficking.
In a Facebook post, John Mahama wrote, “My attention has been drawn to allegations made at a press conference by an honourable member of parliament, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, regarding two suspicious flights arriving at the Kotoka International Airport suspected to be involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
Government takes all allegations seriously, and to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, I have directed all relevant investigative agencies – including the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Police CID, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and the National Security Coordinator – to immediately and fully collaborate with the honourable member of parliament so he provides all necessary information to investigate the allegations and take all action necessary to expose any drug dealing.
We will maintain zero tolerance for using Ghana as a transit or final destination for drugs or drug trafficking. The NIB made a high-profile bust of drugs last week, with a street value of $350 million”, the president stated.
