The Member of Parliament for Madina and member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, has demanded a full investigation into the seizure of a cocaine consignment valued at about $260 million by French authorities, warning that the incident risks damaging Ghana’s international standing.
French customs officers on Thursday, 10 September, intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a container of plastic waste that had arrived at the northern port of Dunkirk from Ghana.
France’s organised crime prosecutor’s office indicated that part of the consignment was destined for Antwerp in Belgium.
In a Facebook post, the lawmaker said the matter required urgent attention, especially in light of Ghana’s growing reputation as a country committed to democratic governance and international cooperation.
He noted that President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government had made important strides in projecting Ghana as a respected player in global diplomacy.
He also praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his work in strengthening the country’s image and promoting integrity and democratic values.
Dr Sosu, however, cautioned that these gains could be undermined by individuals attempting to exploit Ghana’s international links for personal benefit.
“This hard-earned reputation must not be dented by the actions of a few self-serving individuals who may seek to illegally enrich themselves at the expense of the State,” he said.
He called on the relevant Ghanaian authorities to establish the full circumstances of the shipment and determine whether any persons or entities in Ghana were involved in the alleged trafficking operation. Anyone found to have played a role, he stressed, must face the full force of the law irrespective of their status or connections.
“Accordingly, I believe the reported seizure by French authorities of a cocaine consignment valued at approximately $260 million must be thoroughly investigated, and any persons found culpable must be brought to book,” he added.
The Madina MP emphasised that Ghana’s international reputation is a national asset that must be protected through transparency, accountability and strict enforcement of the law.
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