3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine bust in France a national embarrassment to Ghana – Kofi Bentil

Lawyer Kofi Bentil, a Vice President of IMANI Africa, has deemed the seizure of nearly 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine in France, allegedly originating from Ghana, as an "embarrassing scandal" for the nation. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Bentil questioned how such a large quantity of narcotics could evade detection by Ghanaian authorities and later be intercepted in France.

The Ghanaian lawyer emphasized that this incident contradicts the country's image as a stable and well-governed nation within West Africa. "When these things happen, that’s what they talk about," Bentil stated, stressing that the issue should be addressed as a matter of national security and accountability. He questioned the system's failure to intercept the consignment, which was concealed in a container declared to contain plastic waste at the Port of Dunkirk, France.

According to Bentil, a shipment of this magnitude requires a complex logistical operation, and its passage through Ghana's ports suggests potential complicity within the system. Six individuals, including four linked to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), have been denied bail in connection with the case. Bentil called for accountability from those responsible for security and inspection processes, questioning their priorities and suggesting their focus should be on serious threats like organized drug trafficking.