8 May 2009
editorial
One of the major challenges confronting the global world today is how to deal with the drug menace. America and other developed countries are spending billions of dollars trying to fight the canker. The situation is no different in Ghana, as several people have been arrested trying to export narcotic drugs out of the country.
In her attmpt to deal with the situation, the previous government fell on Britain for succour, resulting in the setting up of Operation Westbridge at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
Despite this measure, some Ghanaians still manage to outwit the system, but are in most of cases arrested at their port of entry in Europe and America.
This appears to be denting the international image of this country, since prominent citizens are sometimes involved.
When the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, headed by President Mills, assumed office, it promised to continue the fight against drugs by tightening security at the KIA, and other ports in the country.
In fulfilment of this, the President on Wednesday reportedly made himself, his wife and other government officials, who were travelling with him to London, available for security ckecks by Narcotics Control Board officials at the KIA.
Though his action sounds a little bit of populism, and also breaches diplomatic rules, since it would dent the image of Ghana if Britain also decides to search him, The Chronicle still thinks he has set up a good example that must be commended.
If a whole President of Ghana would subject himself to security checks at the airport, then those who have intentions of smuggling drugs though the airport better think twice.
It is our hope that the President's action, which is said to have received commendation from the European Union, would not be a nine-day wonder, but sustained.
Ghanaian travellers are subjected to all forms of harassment when they travel outside the country, because of this drug menace in the country, therefore it is a good initiative the President has made to help stem the tide.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2009 Ghanaian Chronicle. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
