Madina MP and member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, has called for a thorough investigation into the seizure of a cocaine consignment valued at about US$260 million by French authorities.
Dr Sosu warned that the incident could damage Ghana’s hard-earned international reputation if it is found to have involved individuals or entities linked to the country.
French customs authorities on Thursday, September 10, seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container carrying plastic waste at the northern port of Dunkirk.
The shipment had arrived from Ghana and was reportedly partly destined for Antwerp, Belgium, according to France’s organised crime prosecutor’s office.
Sosu Calls for Urgent Investigation
In a Facebook post on Sunday, September 13, Dr Sosu said the seizure must be treated with urgency, particularly in view of Ghana’s growing reputation for democratic governance and international cooperation.
He said President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government had made significant progress in positioning Ghana as a respected participant in global diplomacy.
The Madina MP also commended Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for his efforts to strengthen Ghana’s international image and project the country as a nation committed to integrity and democratic values.
He, however, warned that such progress could be undermined by individuals who seek to exploit Ghana’s international connections for personal gain.
“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.
‘Anyone Culpable Must Face the Law’
Dr Sosu urged relevant Ghanaian authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the shipment and determine whether any individuals or entities in Ghana were involved in the alleged cocaine trafficking operation.
He insisted that anyone found to have played a role in the shipment must face the full force of the law, regardless of their position 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.
Dr Sosu stressed that Ghana’s international reputation should be treated as a national asset, adding that transparency, accountability and strict enforcement of the law were essential to protecting it.
The call comes as French authorities continue investigations into the origin and intended destination of the seized consignment.
