The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called for urgent and coordinated measures to tackle the growing threat of illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse in Ghana.
The call follows the recent seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in Dunkirk, France, reportedly concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana. The development has renewed concerns about Ghana’s role in international drug trafficking networks.
In a statement signed by the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Bishops said the drug problem should not be viewed solely as a criminal justice issue but also as a serious national and social concern.
Bishops Call for Stronger Drug Trafficking Investigations
The Catholic Bishops urged closer collaboration among key institutions, including the Ghana Police Service, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Customs Division, port authorities, the judiciary and educational institutions.
They called for law enforcement agencies to go beyond arresting drug couriers and investigate the wider networks responsible for financing and organising the illegal trade.
According to the Conference, investigations should focus on the money, businesses, financial transactions and networks that facilitate drug trafficking. It also called for any public official suspected of involvement to be investigated irrespective of their position or rank.
Ghana Urged to Strengthen International Cooperation
The Bishops further encouraged Ghanaian authorities to deepen cooperation with international law enforcement organisations, including INTERPOL and Europol, to help uncover transnational drug trafficking networks and track wanted suspects.
Such cooperation, they said, would strengthen efforts to combat the movement of illegal drugs across borders and improve Ghana’s response to organised crime.
Call for More Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference also urged the government to expand drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes across the country.
They stressed the need to address social and economic challenges such as poverty and unemployment, which can increase the vulnerability of some people to involvement in drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Church and Families Urged to Support Young People
The Bishops said the fight against drug abuse must involve the Church, families, schools and wider society.
They called for stronger prevention education and greater support for young people struggling with substance use, alongside accessible treatment and rehabilitation services.
The Conference said a coordinated national response involving law enforcement, government institutions, religious organisations, families and communities would be essential to addressing drug trafficking and substance abuse in Ghana.
Read Statement Below:
Source: newsthemegh.com