The MV Benjamin cocaine saga in which over 70 parcels of cocaine disappeared into thin air is set to resurface, following an announcement by President Mills that his Government will soon reopen investigations into the matter.
President Mills, who announced this during the 2011 State of the Nation Address to Parliament, said there was the need to get to the root of the matter since the parcels of cocaine were not found or the accomplices jailed.
“I have decided that we must reopen investigations into the disappearance of cocaine from the police Board as well as the 77 parcels of cocaine which entered Ghana aboard the MV Benjamin and mysteriously got missing. I am aware that some investigations were conducted, however the twist is that, the cocaine were never found and the culprits were not identified. We will not relent in our fight against the narcotic trade, and I believe that majority of Ghanaians are happy that these days they don’t wake up to hear stories of cocaine here, cocaine there, cocaine everywhere”.
“We will continue to make Ghana an unattractive destination for the narcotic trade. We will seek help of foreign operatives to help us trash out the drug barons and their couriers.
“We promised to fight against the narcotic menace. And two years into our administration, I can say that we have acquitted ourselves very well in this regard. I had no regret subjecting myself to a check at the Airport. This is the surest way to lead by example” he said.
President Mills in his third State of the Nation Address also stated that the increment of Fuel prices is not to the Benefit of the ruling NDC party but it is geared towards finding a lasting solution to the payment of the TOR debt.
He said the debt has become a burden on the Ghanaian economy and must be settled for the sake of a healthy sustainable economy and to improve the betterment of the individuals.
President Mills has also assured that the revenue from the oil find will be used for the benefit of the nation. He added that institution would be put in place to ensure that every pesewa accrued is accounted for.
According to him, as a result of prudent policy measures the NDC government was able to achieve macroeconomic stability as well as reducing inflation to about 9% by the end of 2010, the lowest in over 2 decades.
He said the country maintained a good growth rate in 2010 and is therefore expecting a higher level this year.
He also told members of Ghana’s Parliament that his administration is on the right direction calling on members of Parliament for their support to achieve the Better Ghana Agenda.