Senior Research Fellow at the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD) Dr. Vladmir Antwi-Danso has called on government to institute a laid down procedures in which persons with requisite skills and technical know-how can apply for various positions in NACOB without resorting to political appointments.

According to him, this will help NACOB to be more efficient and effective as a drug control body of the country, adding that NACOB should be made an Authority or a commission so that no ruling government has direct control over it.

Dr. Antwi-Danso, who was speaking on Joy News’ flagship programme, NewsDesk also said the country’s recent involvement with drugs; especially cocaine is having a serious toll on Ghana’s image and economy.

He explains that the international community now have a negative impression of Ghana which is tarnishing the country’s image.

Touching on whether political parties in Ghana could have a hand in the current drug menace, Dr. Antwi-Danso said both the ruling NDC and the opposition NPP could be funding their party operations partly from drug monies.

Also speaking on News Desk, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Alidu Seidu indicated that there was the need for government and civil society to take a critical look at the drug menace in the country since the issue has the propensity to mar the image of the country internationally.

Speaking to News Desk host Gladys Osei Owiredu, Dr. Seidu was also of the opinion, drug barons must in no way be allowed to fund the activities of political parties in the country.

According to him, even though there is no known record of drug barons sponsoring political parties, political parties must make it a policy that in no way, will they ever subject themselves to the dictates and caprices of drug barons.

He also added that Ghana’s international image worldwide is now under scrutiny following the recent drug scandal in the U.K and admonished Ghanaians to depoliticize the current drug menace and unite in fighting the canker.

Dr. Seidu took a swipe at NACOB for not following due procedure in the recent drug haul in the UK and called for a house cleaning exercise.

According to him, there is the need for government to keep the country’s credibility and image in order by empowering the security agencies to carry out their work diligently without fear or favour.