The US Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Donald Teitelbaum, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney-General that will train prosecutors who will assist in the against drug trafficking in the country.
According to the Ambassador, the prosecutors will be trained for the investigation of money laundering and complex crimes so as to curb the rate of crimes in the country.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu
H.E. Teitelbaum stressed that US and Ghana are committed to fighting against narcotic traffickers who are using Ghana as transit point.
He noted that the agreement which has been signed will provide temporary assignments of US government prosecutors to work with Ghanaian judicial officers in the investigation of organised crimes associated with narcotic trafficking and money laundering.
“The agreement signed will provide temporary assignments of US government prosecutors to work with Ghanaian judicial officers in the investigation of organised crimes associated with narcotic trafficking and money laundering,” said Ambassador Teitelbaum.
He added that the training will nurture Ghanaian prosecutors to apprehend the leaders of drug trafficking organisations operating in Ghana and secure convictions that will send them to jail for a long time.
Mr Teitelbaum gave the assurance that his country will continue supporting Ghana in her fight against drug trafficking and money laundering.
The Ambassador emphasized that the cooperation between the US and Ghana to stem the flow of illegal drugs will result in a safer and more secure Ghana.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, commended the US for their support towards Ghana in the area of drug trafficking.
She said the training will enhance professionalism of state prosecutors in their investigations of complex crimes in the country.
Mrs Mould-Iddrisu disclosed that the police prosecutors will also be trained to acquire knowledge in the investigation of complex crimes.
She went on to commend the police administration for lending their efforts to state prosecutors in their investigative work in the country.
The minister noted that the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) will be the primary agency that will be investigating economic frauds.
She emphasized that the Narcotic Control Board is also committed in working adequately to fight against trafficking in narcotics.
The minister however urged other donor countries to assist in training officers of the Ghana Narcotic Control Board.
STORY: BEATRICE DEDE ASIEDU, INTERN, MANIFOLD INSTITUTE
