Recent reports of illicit drug trafficking and high-profile arrests are tarnishing Ghana’s global reputation, according to Adib Saani, Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peacebuilding.
Evaluating the performance of security agencies in curbing the drug trade, Mr Saani asserted that security heads have failed the government and the President, making an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of the national security architecture necessary.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he argued that while President John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated a clear commitment to tackling narcotics, he requires dedicated and competent security personnel to achieve results.
“I am looking forward to heads rolling across our entire security setup. They have failed President John Dramani Mahama, especially at the National Security Council Secretariat. If an audit reveals that security officials have been derelict in their duties and responsibilities, they must be removed. President Mahama is deeply troubled by recent drug-related activities, and we must have competent officials to handle the situation,” Saani stated.
He stressed that security agencies must adopt a more proactive stance, highlighting that the flow of narcotics extends far beyond isolated arrests.
“From all indications, our security officials appear incompetent in handling the illicit drug flow. Dealing with these activities goes beyond arresting suspects. The critical question is whether these officers are gathering the intelligence required to prevent drugs from leaving Ghana. Given the sheer scale and million-dollar volumes of cocaine and other drugs moved from the country, any incompetent security officials must be replaced immediately,” he added.
Mr Saani further alleged that large-scale drug movements could not occur without internal complicity, noting that compromised officers must be identified and purged from the services.
“You can invest in all the security systems at our airports, but if security officials are easily compromised, it renders those investments useless. While we upgrade infrastructure and systems, we must focus heavily on the human element. Replacing these officials will help disrupt the supply chain and restore both local and international confidence. The current situation is bringing immense shame and embarrassment to Ghana, and it risks harming legitimate traders and exporters,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the security expert welcomed the government’s decision to establish an inter-agency task force and formulate a roadmap to combat border trafficking. He noted that the Jatikay Centre had previously submitted similar recommendations to the government and expressed satisfaction that they are now being operationalised.
He expressed hope that the government would reassign border security leadership to assist ongoing investigations, adding that the new task force and roadmap will significantly aid the Centre’s independent research into the trade.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
