No France cocaine suspect linked to Mahama, Vice President’s security details – NACOC

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has confirmed that none of the suspects arrested in connection with the Dunkirk cocaine seizure are linked to the security details of President John Dramani Mahama or Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. Deputy Director-General Alexander Twum-Barimah clarified this on JoyNews’ Newsfile after claims emerged that one of the suspects, Musah Attah, alias “Kromo”, had previously worked with the presidential security.

NACOC's investigation revealed that Attah is actually a farmer, not a member of the presidential security detail. The commission had previously made similar clarifications, emphasizing that their background checks did not establish any of the suspects as presidential escorts. NACOC's deputy director also addressed circulating photographs on social media, explaining that it is not possible for someone to be simultaneously in the company of both the President and Vice President.

He stressed that the security details of the President and Vice President function separately and urged others to verify if any of the arrested individuals were involved. The controversy arose following Old Tafo Member of Parliament Vincent Ekow Assafuah's claims about Attah's connection to the presidential security. NACOC has dismissed these allegations, stating that their investigations have not found any link between the suspects and presidential security.

Four Ghanaians, including Musah Attah, are facing charges for allegedly exporting nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine from Ghana to France. The suspects are Desmond Koranteng Curiel, Musah Attah, Kweku Okyere, and Jessica Hartog, who were arraigned before the Accra High Court on September 16 and are set to reappear on October 13. They have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and drug exportation charges.

Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, alias “Bolle Jos”, remains at large. NACOC has urged the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to politicize the cocaine seizure, pointing out that Ghana has had several narcotics interceptions in the past. The commission is continuing its investigation into the Dunkirk shipment, including tracking the consignment's journey from Ghana and identifying other potential suspects.