By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, July 7, GNA—Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, the Minister for Interior, has disclosed that preliminary investigations into the interception of a large methamphetamine shipment from Ghana in Australia have allegedly implicated some government officials suspected of facilitating the concealment of the illicit drugs.
Appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Assurance public hearing on Tuesday in Parliament House, Alhaji Muntaka said authorities suspected that certain officials may have allegedly exploited weaknesses within the country’s security systems to aid the concealment and movement of the drugs.
“Mr. Chairman, even as of yesterday we were still interrogating a lot of government officials. It is not everything I can put out at this stage because we are still investigating and interrogating people. There are a lot of things that are not adding up. You could see that there is some involvement of some people within the system,” he said.
The Minister’s comments come after Australian authorities allegedly intercepted about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in a charcoal shipment from Ghana.
The consignment is estimated to be worth A$296 million.
Alhaji Muntaka told the Committee that technology alone could not secure the country’s borders if personnel lacked integrity.
“Even if you put all these gadgets in, remember they are going to be operated by human beings. So, if the wrong persons are sitting there, you can bring all the gadgets of this world; it will not be effective,” he said.
He noted that the seizure had triggered a review of security arrangements at Ghana’s entry and exit points.
“Mr. Chairman, we have changed our modus operandi and the way we place personnel. All of this is to make sure we protect our borders,” he stated.
According to the Minister, investigations were ongoing, and several government officials were allegedly being questioned as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the alleged internal collusion.
The Minister said the ministry will provide further updates as investigations progress.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
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