By Samuel Ansah Boateng
Former Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, has thrown his weight behind the African Chamber of Content Producers’ (ACCP) Anti-Smuggling Campaign, stating emphatically that “Ghana must not be a place where criminals thrive.”
The former legislator made these remarks during a courtesy visit by a team from the ACCP, who had called on him as part of their nationwide campaign to rally support against the illicit smuggling of commodities such as sugar and cooking oil across Ghana’s borders.
The campaign, recently has gained momentum, attracting the attention of both civil society and key national stakeholders.
Honorable Appiah-Kubi, who was praised by the Chamber’s delegation for his resolute action in quelling the rampant Fulani herdsmen attacks on farmers in the Asante Akyem Agogo area during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, stated that firm leadership and swift action were critical in dealing with criminal elements.“My approach was straightforward, you cannot allow criminals to live freely amongst law-abiding citizens,” he said.
“Crime is crime. If you delay fighting it, it becomes entrenched. We acted fast, and we acted with the law on our side, “he recalled how collaboration between local communities and security agencies was pivotal in tackling the violence that once plagued his constituency.
While recognizing that many Fulani residents are peaceful and law-abiding, he clarified that his efforts had always been targeted at the violent criminal elements who were destroying farms and harming innocent citizens.
Turning his attention to the growing menace of smuggling, Lawyer Appiah-Kubi commended the ACCP for its bold initiative.
He noted, that commodity smuggling, did not only undermine national security but also strangled legitimate businesses, reducing investor confidence and increasing unemployment among the youth.
“What ACCP is doing is critical and must be supported, speaking up for local businesses being pushed to the brink by criminal smuggling networks is a noble mission. They must receive the backing of every right-thinking Ghanaian,” he added.
The former MP, known for his outspoken nature and willingness to challenge his own political party, also used the opportunity to highlight the dangers of turning a blind eye to wrongdoing.
He referenced his well-documented call for the removal of the then Minister of Finance, stating that truth must never be sacrificed for political comfort.
“If Ghana must move forward, our leaders and citizens must learn to speak truth at all times, even if it discomforts them,” Appiah-Kubi emphasized.
“The country is struggling with crimes like galamsey and smuggling because there’s not enough collective courage to end them decisively”.
”He urged the ACCP to continue pushing the campaign forward and called on Ghanaians from all walks of life to be vigilant, patriotic, and fearless in defending the nation from the grip of criminality.
The ACCP’s Anti-Smuggling Campaign, backed by prominent figures and organizations across the continent, aims to mobilize public awareness, pressure policymakers into action, and protect local industries from being undermined by unfair, illicit trade practices.
The Chamber, which includes members from across 40 African countries, continues to lead in reshaping Africa’s narrative while addressing real-time economic and social threats.
