Ex-minister to defend drug traffickers

The out-going Deputy Minister of the Interior has declared his intention to defend narcotic drug traffickers in court to earn a living.

Captain retired Nkrabeah Effah-Dartey, who was also Chairman of the Narcotics Control Board, told the Accra-based FM station -JoyFM - that no one should be surprised if they see him defending the drug traffickers in court.

Captain Effah-Dartey, a lawyer by profession and NPP MP for Berekum said after been removed from government, he has to move straight into private practice to support his income from Parliament.

He said when he was appointed minister, he stopped practicing but since the President has asked him to step aside he has no option but to go back into private practice to earn more to complete some projects.

“I was trying to build a house in Kasoa. I didn't finish and I became a deputy minister for local government. I didn't get money to continue so I have to finish it and move in.

'So right now, don't be surprised to see me defending narcotic cases in the courts on the side of the suspects as part of the defence team. I do hope I get some pretty soon because I need money”, he said

Captain Effah-Dartey has changed portfolios as deputy minister since the NPP came into office but he was asked to step aside during the latest reshuffle.

He is also reported as having presidential ambitions but when pressed on the show to disclose details it, the affable Berekum MP refused to say whether or not he would run for the NPP's presidential slot.