The National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has warned NPP members, supporters and sympathisers travelling through Ghana’s airports and seaports to stay highly vigilant, alleging a desperate attempt to frame them in cocaine cases.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Mr Boakye claimed that “the NDC and John Mahama regime have become very desperate and elements affiliated to the NDC may go any length to rope in innocent members and sympathizers of the NPP just to equalize for their horrible record in the control of cocaine and other narcotics in our country.”
He did not provide evidence for the allegation in the statement.
Mr Boakye said “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.”
He added that all NPP members, supporters and sympathisers travelling through Ghana’s airports and seaports were “strongly advised to exercise heightened vigilance and take extra precautions to safeguard themselves against any potential attempts to implicate innocent NPP travellers in narcotics-related offences just for political equalisation.”
He said the advisory follows recent cocaine-related arrests and drug trafficking incidents involving Ghanaian nationals in foreign jurisdictions.
As part of the precautionary measures, Mr Boakye urged travellers to “Securely Lock, Protect and wrap Your Luggage to avoid any unwholesome interference,” maintain personal control over their belongings at all times, and “not accept unverified Items or parcels; if possible completely avoid accepting parcels to be given to a third party.”
Travellers were also urged to “Remain observant of unusual handling, interference or suspicious access to your luggage. If possible, video-record your luggage and how your belongings are packed,” and to “Preserve any relevant evidence and immediately report suspicious incidents to airport security or the appropriate authorities,” and personally verify their luggage before check-in and boarding.
He also advised travellers to inspect their bags and contents before leaving for the airport, again before handing them over at check-in, and whenever they are returned to their custody, ensure that no unfamiliar items have been introduced into their belongings and retain their luggage tags and other relevant travel documentation.
He further urged members to “Stay alert, remain vigilant, protect your belongings and travel responsibly.”
