The New Patriotic Party has issued an NPP travel advisory urging its members, supporters and sympathisers to exercise heightened vigilance when travelling through Ghana’s airports and seaports.
The advisory, signed by NPP Second National Vice Chairman Henry Nana Boakye, follows recent cocaine-related incidents involving consignments linked to Ghana and growing public attention on narcotics trafficking.
The party alleged that individuals affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress could attempt to implicate NPP travellers in drug-related offences by interfering with their luggage. The statement, however, did not provide evidence to support that allegation.
Travellers urged to secure luggage
The NPP advised travellers to keep personal control of their belongings, securely lock and wrap their luggage and avoid carrying parcels or items for people they do not know.
It also urged members to inspect their bags before leaving for the airport, before check-in and whenever the luggage is returned to them.
Travellers were further encouraged to retain baggage tags and other travel documents and report suspicious activity to airport security or other appropriate authorities.
“NPP travellers should remain alert to the possibility of unlawful interference with their luggage or attempts by unscrupulous individuals to introduce prohibited substances like cocaine and other illicit drugs into their personal belongings.” - Nana Boakye
Party calls for heightened vigilance
The advisory also encouraged travellers, where possible, to document how their luggage was packed before beginning their journey.
“Stay alert, remain vigilant, protect your belongings and travel responsibly,” Mr Boakye said.
The warning comes amid renewed scrutiny of Ghana’s narcotics controls following recent drug seizures abroad, including a November 11 seizure in Spain involving cocaine concealed in a shipment of coconuts traced to Ghana.
The NPP said the precautions were intended to protect travellers from possible interference with their belongings while using the country’s ports of entry and exit.
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