ACSC demands greater transparency and accountability following $360m cocaine seizure

The Africa Center for Security and Counterterrorism (ACSC) has commended the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for its successful interception of cocaine worth over $360 million.

According to them, this significant achievement highlights the capacity and vigilance of Ghana’s security agencies in combating transnational crime, and is a crucial step in protecting the nation from the impact of drug trafficking and organised crime.

In a statement released on Friday, March 28, the ACSC acknowledged this success while stressing the need for greater transparency and accountability in handling high-profile drug seizures and financial crime investigations.

The recent cocaine bust raises concerns about whether this case will be fully pursued or, like previous incidents, fade into obscurity without any accountability to the Ghanaian people.

The ACSC notes that just last month, National Security intercepted containers allegedly containing large sums of U.S. dollars and gold.

However, the public remains uninformed about the progress of that investigation. “Just last month, National Security intercepted containers allegedly containing substantial amounts of U.S. dollars and gold, yet the public remains uninformed about the progress of that investigation,” the ACSC remarked.

This lack of follow-up undermines public confidence in security institutions and raises concerns about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

Nonetheless, the Africa Center for Security and Counterterrorism commended the diligence of security agencies in intercepting contraband goods and criminal activity.

However, the ACSC emphasises that national security involves not only successful operations but also transparent processes that build public trust. “The foundation of our democracy rests on the principle that institutions are accountable to the people they serve.”

The ACSC thus called on the National Investigations Bureau and relevant authorities to address the following:

1. Full Public Disclosure– Provide a comprehensive update on the $360 million cocaine seizure case, including details about the individuals involved and the legal proceedings.
2. Accountability for Prior Seizures– Issue a public report on the containers allegedly containing dollars and gold seized last month and the status of other major drug and financial crime cases.
3. Legal and Judicial Transparency– Confirm that these cases are progressing through proper judicial channels and are being handled with integrity.
4. Parliamentary Oversight– We urge Ghana’s Parliament, particularly the Defence and Interior Committee, to exercise oversight by requesting briefings on these cases and ensuring transparency in security operations.

They believe that Ghana’s democratic institutions thrive on accountability and transparency.

It expressed confidence that the country’s security agencies can balance operational security with public accountability, ensuring Ghanaians are appropriately informed about cases of national interest.

The ACSC also called on civil society organisations, media houses, and concerned citizens to remain engaged and advocate for transparent processes that strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions.

“Our security agencies must be held accountable to the people they serve,” they concluded.

Source: myjoyonline.com