Expressing his vehement disapproval, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Okudzeto Ablakwa, has condemned this decision, describing it as “absolutely ridiculous” and insufficient in deterring others from engaging in similar misconduct at the Kotoka International Airport.
Mr. Ablakwa’s outrage stems from the fact that, while the state can refund salaries to interdicted suspects who may be acquitted, there is little recourse for retrieving these salaries from those found complicit.
He questions why Ghana airport officials seem oblivious to drug smuggling activities, contrasting this with the vigilance of their counterparts in Belgium, despite significant investments in infrastructure like Terminal 3.
The North Tongu MP called for further investigations to expose those in high positions who are part of this scandal
Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana must adopt a stringent and unwavering stance in combating drug smuggling, lamenting the recent trend of losing ground in this critical battle.
Proposing a shift in approach, he advocated for a new era at Ghana’s airports, one where officials understand the consequences of aiding criminal activities, rather than being allowed to enjoy partial salaries while sitting at home without performing any duties.
Below is his full submission and revelation on the above issue;
Intercepted letters of interdiction in the ongoing Ghana Airport Cocaine Smuggling Scandal reveal that the key suspects are to enjoy two-thirds of their salaries while on interdiction.
This is absolutely ridiculous and does not serve as sufficient deterrence to other operatives at the Kotoka International Airport who may be tempted to engage in such egregious conduct.
My outrage is also premised on the fact that whereas the state can refund salaries to interdicted suspects who may be acquitted, it is virtually impossible for the state to retrieve these salaries from those found complicit.
The questions we ought to be asking: what makes airport officials in Belgium see what Ghanaian airport officials refuse to see despite the massive investments at Terminal 3? Why are some Ghanaian airport operatives not scared of the consequences in aiding cocaine smugglers? Who are their enablers in high places?
Ghana ought to immediately adopt a strict and uncompromising attitude in the war against drug smuggling which we are disgracefully losing in recent years with dire international implications.
We must usher in a new era at our airports where all officials from the board, management, staff to other attached operatives recognize that there is a heavy price to pay — not this practice of go sit home and enjoy two-thirds salary for no work done.
For God and Country.
Ghana First 🇬🇭
