President John Mahama ordered investigations into the allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering linked to two suspicious flights that reportedly landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) a couple of days ago. His directive follows a press conference by a Member of Parliament, who raised concerns about the purpose of the two flights, and the cargo they carried. But before the Investigative Agencies would commence their actions, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications issued a communique that rubbished the allegations.
It has become alarmingly clear that official government communication has undermined the credibility and independence of any ongoing security investigations into the matter. This raises critical questions about the role of government communication in the administration of justice. After the matter was referred to the appropriate investigative agencies, government officials needed to remain neutral and allow security agencies to tackle the issue without prejudices.
At the heart of the issue is the premature and, in some instances, the overly assertive posture adopted by certain government and party officials in their public commentary on the case. Before the security agencies—particularly the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI)—could conclude their work, statements emanating from the corridors of power suggested either a foregone conclusion or an attempt to dismiss the allegations outrightly as having no merit.
Such interventions, especially those from the government, do not only breach the principle of non-interference but also prejudice the investigations, placing undue pressure on the investigative agencies. In a matter as sensitive as transnational drug trafficking—with all its links to organized crime, corruption, and international cooperation—independent and credible investigations are essential. Government communication that appears to pre-empt outcomes or cast suspicion selectively weakens the institutional integrity of the security apparatus and fosters a climate of mistrust.
Worse still, these premature communications have the potential to erode Ghana’s reputation on the international stage if the allegations have substance. The International Community’s trust hinges on the impartiality and professionalism of Ghana’s security agencies. Credible investigations by the security agencies are crucial for earning and sustaining international trust. If investigations are seen to be compromised by political interests or spin, international cooperation could suffer, further limiting Ghana's capacity to combat narcotics trade.
Moreover, the public deserves a transparent, fact-based, and apolitical process. Ghanaians have shown, and continue to show increasing frustration with the politicization of crime, particularly when it involves the elite or those with political connections. By attempting to control the narrative before investigations are finalized, government communicators risk sending a dangerous message: that the truth can be managed, and justice can be bent to serve political ends.
It is imperative that all agencies of government, particularly those in charge of information dissemination, should have exercised restraint and allowed the competent authorities to do their work without influence. The communique issued before the completion of investigations has the potency to undermine the integrity of security agencies and their findings. The fight against narcotics trafficking is not only a legal battle—it is a moral and institutional one. It tests the strength of our democracy, the independence of our security agencies, and the commitment of the state to uphold the rule of law without fear or favour.
Until investigations are complete, the government should have stepped back and let the law take its full and unimpeded course. The security agencies should have been the ones issuing communiques to refute or confirm the allegations. State institutions in Ghana do not have administrative and political boldness to work independently. That’s why some of them take questionable actions ostensibly at the behest of the government.
The Government and party officials have subtly interfered the investigations instructed by the President, by issuing a series of communications to render the allegations baseless. Interference does not only undermine public trust in state institutions but also weakens the credibility of law enforcement and judicial processes. In order to maintain integrity and public confidence, it is essential that such cases are handled independently, allowing a seamless process.
Emmanuel Kwabena Wucharey
Economics Tutor, Advocate and Religion Enthusiast.
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