General News of Wednesday, 15 December 2010

Source: GNA

Ghana Government committed to anti-drug war despite Cable Leak tales

Accra, Dec. 15, GNA-The Government says its commitment to the fight against narcotic use and trade was unwavering regardless of media reports on alleged leaked diplomatic cables on Ghana which posit the contrary. "The Government of Ghana will like to reiterate for the avoidance of doubt that the President Mills-led administration remains committed and unwavering in the fight against narcotics regardless of the threats that the leaks pose to this fight", the statement said.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Mr John Tia Akologu, Minister of Information, and issued to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday in Accra.

It said President Mills had demonstrated leadership by example as a clear signal of his commitment and emboldened security personnel by voluntarily subjecting himself for body search before he emplaned to London last year.

"This singular act sent a loud message that nobody would be shielded or allowed to engage in the illicit act no matter their connections or status." The statement said President Mills had no cause to suspect his appointees and he believed that they are with him in the noble task to make Ghana a no-transit point for narcotics.

It said the President also knows what to do to those who fall short of the laws of Ghana and the standards he has set adding President Mills would not spare any person found foul of the law.

The statement said in spite of the challenges the government inherited from its political predecessor, it would continue to fight to ensure that the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) received continuous support. It said the commitment is evidenced by the historic increase in budgetary allocation to NACOB adding that the process to elevate the NACOB into a stronger independent Commission was on course. "We have maintained similar commitment in assisting and strengthening all the Security Agencies."

The statement concluded by saying: "Our efforts in fighting the drug menace and the positive results achieved so far have been acknowledged by well-meaning Ghanaians and the world at large and for this we are highly encouraged."