anti-narcotics collaboration dubbed Operation West Bridge has been
opened at the Departure Hall of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA)
in Accra.
With sophisticated gadgets and advanced technology, Operation
West Bridge is expected to tackle drug trafficking much more
effectively than before.Ms Gloria Akuffo, Minister of Aviation, on
Tuesday jointly cut the tape for the opening of the office with Mr
Richard Powell, Deputy British High Commissioner.In brief remarks, the
Aviation Minister noted that while aiming at turning the KIA into an
aviation hub within the West Africa Sub-Region, safety and security
were vital to the attraction of partners in that quest.
She pointed out that recent arrests and interceptions of drugs at
the Airport were clear signals to would-be traffickers that they did
not stand much of a chance.Ms Akuffo thanked the British Government
for their assistance saying it was most crucial in the fight against
illicit drug trafficking.
Among those present at the opening were Mr Simon Allotey, Acting
Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Mr
Willie Orhin, Acting Deputy Director General, GCAA; General Joshua
Hamidu (rtd), Chairman, Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and Major
General Richardson Baiden, Executive Secretary, NACOB.Meanwhile, a
committee of enquiry has been set up by GCAA to investigate a recent
discovery of about 70 kilograms of a substance suspected to be cocaine
at the Duty-Free Shop within the KIA.Three workers at the shop as well
as Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel were taken in for questioning
as a result of the discovery. Two AVSEC personnel have deserted their
posts ever since the incident.
4 April 07
