Catholic Bishops in Ghana Decry Escalating Drug Menace as Threat to Moral Fabric, Urge Immediate Action

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a statement on Monday, September 21, warning that rising drug trafficking and abuse threaten the nation's security, future, and moral fabric. The bishops called for urgent and coordinated action to address the crisis, noting that the problem particularly affects young people.

The bishops described the situation as a profound moral crisis rather than a routine criminal matter. Their statement follows a September 10 report that French customs authorities in Dunkirk intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container of plastic waste arriving from Ghana. The shipment, valued at approximately €225 million, was reportedly destined partly for Antwerp, Belgium.

While the bishops called the scale of the shipment deeply disturbing, they noted that those facing charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The conference urged authorities to take immediate steps to address the impact of the narcotics trade.