Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has dismissed calls for immediate updates on alleged drug trafficking cases, emphasizing the need for patience in security investigations.
His remarks come in response to accusations by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the influx of illicit drugs into the country.
Coker insisted that security agencies operate based on intelligence and tip-offs rather than public expectations of daily briefings.
“You understand? So you don’t expect the security agencies to come and give you daily updates, briefings on what they are doing. It’s not like that anywhere. They have to really make enough[probe], and get to know who they are[dealing with]. They always get tip-offs.”
Joseph Ade Coker
He referenced the infamous cases of former MP Eric Amoateng and former Ghanaian diplomat Nayele Ametefe, both arrested for drug-related offenses due to extensive intelligence work.
“Remember the Amoateng [and Adjei] case? It was a tip-off from here, and they started trailing him [Amoateng] all over the world and eventually caught him at Heathrow Airport. So these are things that are not only the purview of the Ghanaian security agencies.”
Joseph Ade Coker
Coker cautioned against rushing to conclusions and turning security issues into political debates, emphasizing that such actions could undermine ongoing investigations.
He argued that the security agencies must be given the necessary time and space to conduct thorough inquiries before the public jumps to accusations.
Highlighting recent discussions on the matter, he noted that experts have echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for patience rather than immediate blame.
Security Investigations Take Time
Furthermore, Joseph Ade Coker emphasized the intricate nature of combating drug trafficking, urging the public to exercise patience and allow security agencies to carry out their duties without unnecessary interference.
He explained that dismantling sophisticated drug networks is not an overnight process, as these operations often require extensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordination across multiple jurisdictions.
In many instances, he noted, it takes months or even years before authorities can secure concrete evidence and make significant breakthroughs.
“Otherwise, everything will go cold. But sometimes they make these announcements to prompt [the public] so that if somebody somewhere has any other information [they share it]. Don’t forget that it’s people who handle these things.”
Joseph Ade Coker
Coker also stressed the crucial role the public plays in assisting security agencies by providing valuable information that can aid in tackling drug trafficking.
He noted that patriotic individuals often come forward with tip-offs, which serve as key leads in ongoing investigations.
Even the smallest piece of information, he explained, could contribute to a larger effort to dismantle criminal networks.
However, he cautioned against excessive media scrutiny and public pressure, arguing that such interference could discourage potential informants from stepping forward.
He emphasized that drug trafficking operations are highly sophisticated, requiring security agencies to conduct their investigations discreetly.
Without a degree of secrecy, he warned, critical intelligence-gathering efforts could be compromised.
He also pointed out that large-scale cocaine shipments entering Ghana are not a new phenomenon, recalling past incidents where significant quantities of the drug were discovered in unusual circumstances, such as floating at sea.
A Call for Political Maturity
Additionally, Ade Coker criticized attempts by political parties to exploit security matters for partisan gain.
According to him, politicizing drug-related cases diminishes the seriousness of the issue and hampers security agencies’ work.
He called for a more responsible approach, where national security is prioritized over party interests. “I’ve always said that the moment we try to score political points, we lose the importance of what we are doing.”
His remarks are seen as a direct rebuttal to the opposition NPP, which has raised concerns over the alleged surge in drug trafficking under the current administration.
While acknowledging that illicit drugs have been a long-standing issue in Ghana, Coker urged all parties to support security agencies in their efforts rather than engaging in political point-scoring.
With drug trafficking remaining a global challenge, the debate over Ghana’s approach to tackling the menace continues.
The call for patience from security agencies will be tested as the public demands transparency and accountability in the fight against illicit drugs.
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