Audio By Carbonatix
The Acting British High Commissioner, Mr Matthews Johnson has expressed confidence in the commitment of Ghana’s security officials in the fight against the drug menace.
He said suggestions of complicity on the part of officials of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) in the drugs trade and alleged deliberate tampering with Operation Westbridge monitoring equipment installed at the Kotoka International Airport to arrest drug traffickers so as to reduce the effectiveness of the system, were inaccurate.
Last year, leaked cables by whistle-blowers Wikileaks quoted US diplomats as saying that Operation Westbridge was being undermined and that whenever British officials monitoring the system left Ghana, the rate of arrests of traffickers reduced significantly. Mr Johnson however dismissed the claims.
Speaking to journalists during an interaction with the media Tuesday, the Acting High Commissioner explained that the reduction in arrests may have been the result of the fact that NACOB were lacking in capacity to adequately utilize the system.
Mr Johnson said the government of Ghana’s commitment to fighting the drugs trade led to the installation of the system.
He praised highly President Mills’ personal commitment to fighting the menace.
Touching on the United Kingdom’s relationship with Ghana, the Acting High Commissioner said Britain was committed to working hard together with the Ghana government to double the value of bilateral trade between the two countries by 2015.
He said it was the desire of the British government to help Ghana to consolidate and cement its newly attained middle income status. This, he believes, coincides with the UK’s efforts to help Ghana achieve its Millennium Development Goals.
The new Country Director of the Department for International Development (DFID), Sally Taylor said it was in furtherance of the objectives outlined by Mr Johnson that - regardless of the mounting deficit and slow economic recovery that the country was facing and the consequent cuts in spending thereof - the UK government had maintained Ghana as one of the countries it will continue to assist.
She said Britain will continue to contribute to the government of Ghana’s budget especially in areas that the DFID’s assistance will be most effective.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
An anti-corruption Office should not be controlled by government — Mary Addah
9 minutes -
We’ve made gains despite imperfect OSP structure — Mary Addah
14 minutes -
AG’s takeover of OSP cases raises questions over motive, strategy — Baffour Awuah
16 minutes -
High Court had jurisdiction in OSP ruling; judge acted boldly — Adawudu
58 minutes -
OSP prosecutorial power controversy was settled before law was passed — Kofi Bentil
1 hour -
Constitutional interpretation in OSP ruling was outside High Court’s jurisdiction — Baffour Awuah
1 hour -
High Court ruling on OSP was a bad decision — Kofi Bentil
1 hour -
U17 Women’s WCQ: Black Maidens ready to ‘finish the job’ against Togo – Joe Darkwah
2 hours -
‘Unprincipled actors’ at centre of OSP–AG case Dr Bomfeh
2 hours -
OSP–AG legal clash reflects institutional governance problems — Dr Bomfeh
2 hours -
President Mahama kicks off Northern region tour to deepen citizen engagement
2 hours -
FA Cup: Simpson reveals Nations FC’s Africa dream after Aduana victory
3 hours -
Man found dead in bush near DZOSEC; Police launch investigation
3 hours -
‘Score one, I’ll die for the team’ – Simpson reveals conversation with Annor before Aduana victory
4 hours -
CFAO Mobility pledges “full cooperation” with DVLA following vehicle impoundment scandal
4 hours