TEMA, Ghana, 1st October: The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has called for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s national security architecture amid the growing controversy surrounding cocaine trafficking and drug seizures in the country.
According to him, the government must ensure that sensitive state institutions, particularly the security agencies and strategic entry and exit points such as the ports, are staffed by professionals who are committed to protecting the national interest.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem on Thursday, October 1, Mr Koomson said the government should consider reviewing the positions of officials inherited from the previous administration, particularly those serving in sensitive security-related roles.
He argued that retaining individuals whom the government does not fully trust in critical positions could undermine public confidence and affect efforts to combat sophisticated criminal networks.
Mr Koomson further urged the government to remain vigilant, alleging that elements within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) could exploit national controversies and political narratives to undermine the government.
He said the government must therefore remain focused on its mandate and take steps to counter what he described as attempts to damage its reputation.
According to him, the government should not hesitate to transfer or replace public officials in sensitive positions where there are legitimate concerns about their commitment to the state.
“We have a lot of qualified people in the NDC who can do the work,” he argued, urging the government to consider qualified personnel when making appointments to critical positions.
Mr Koomson specifically mentioned strategic institutions such as the Tema Port, stressing the need for professionals in such establishments to prioritise national security and the public interest.
He maintained that politically partisan considerations, particularly the presence of NPP moles and remnants within sensitive state institutions, should not influence the management of institutions responsible for protecting Ghana’s borders and preventing the movement of illicit goods.
His comments come amid renewed public concern over cocaine trafficking and several drug seizures, including a reported 3.9-tonne cocaine interception that has generated significant political and public debate.
The Minority in Parliament has also sought the recall of Parliament to address concerns over allegations that Ghana is increasingly being used as a transit point for illicit drugs.
Questions have subsequently been raised about whether individuals within or connected to the state security system could have facilitated or enabled some of the activities under investigation.
Mr Koomson, however, stressed the need for the government to remain alert and avoid underestimating what he described as the NPP’s capacity to use political narratives and propaganda to weaken a sitting government.
He urged the governing NDC to use its mandate to strengthen state institutions while ensuring that personnel occupying sensitive positions are accountable to the state and the Ghanaian people.
He said any changes to personnel within the security architecture should be based on competence, integrity, national security considerations and the interests of Ghana.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) | Ghana 🇬🇭
