Abena Osei-Asare demands parliamentary inquiry into cocaine seizures

Atiwa East Member of Parliament Abena Osei-Asare has called for an independent, bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into the recent string of cocaine seizures linked to Ghana. The demand follows growing concerns over the effectiveness of the nation's anti-narcotics enforcement after international reports detailed a significant drug bust in Beirut, Lebanon, involving narcotics allegedly transported from Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Osei-Asare questioned how many more seizures must occur before the government acknowledges the severity of the situation and the potential for local complicity.

The lawmaker challenged recent assurances from the Interior Minister regarding enhanced airport screening protocols, arguing that international incidents suggest these measures are failing. She emphasized that a parliamentary probe is necessary to ensure accountability among law enforcement officials and to evaluate why current security operations are unable to intercept high-volume shipments before they leave Ghanaian soil. According to Osei-Asare, the frequency of these domestic and international seizures indicates a systemic failure that requires immediate legislative oversight.

Joining the call for transparency, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has specifically demanded an update on a security roadmap previously ordered by President John Mahama. Two months ago, President Mahama tasked security chiefs with developing a comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking, yet Awuku noted that no public update has been provided. He highlighted the 46.7 kg cocaine seizure in Lebanon as a clear sign that Ghana's aviation security remains vulnerable, posing a threat to the country's international reputation.

The push for a bipartisan investigation reflects heightening political pressure on the administration to produce tangible results in narcotics control. Critics argue that without a transparent review of current operations and the implementation of the promised security roadmap, Ghana remains at risk of being exploited as a transit point for international drug cartels. The proposed inquiry would focus on identifying gaps in the screening process at entry and exit points and determining the extent of any official involvement in the trafficking trade.