Minister: ECOWAS protocol hinders fight against drugs trade

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Nii Armah Ashitey says the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) protocol relating to free movement of goods and services as well as citizens, is turning out to be a mixed blessing in the fight against the drug menace.

Nii Armah Ashitey said the idea of the protocol which is to facilitate the movement of persons in their quest for legitimate trade and other business activities for the benefit of member countries, is being abused.

“Unfortunately, it has tended to allow the activities of hardened criminals and drug barons flourish and without a collective and well coordinated mechanism in place in the sub region, the countries in the sub region would always find it difficult to control criminals who hide under the pretext of the protocol to trade in illicit drugs and sometimes escape justice,” the Minister said.

Nii Armah Ashitey, who was speaking at the launch of this year’s International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking on Monday, noted that drug abuse and illicit trafficking, is a serious challenge to Ghana in particular and the sub region as a whole.

The celebration was on the theme “Be Smart To be Healthy, Don’t Do Drugs.” The Regional Minister explained that if care is not taken it will derail the economic gains of Ghana and undermine her democratic credentials, the principle of rule of law, deepen corruption and jeopardize the health status of people, especially the youth who are the future hope of the country.

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Interior, Kwabena Acheampong re-echoed government’s commitment to putting drug traffickers out of business and at the same time reducing drug related crimes such as money laundering, armed robbery and human trafficking.

Mr. Acheampong said the government is also committed to resourcing the Narcotics Control Board and other security agencies to wage the relentless and concerted war against the drug menace.

Story: Afia Amankwaah/Asempa News/Ghana