Omanghana
Ghana and the Netherlands have formalized a bilateral partnership aimed at combating transnational organized crime and the growing trafficking of narcotics through West Africa.
The Letter of Intent was signed in late July 2026 by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak; and Dutch Minister for Justice and Security, David van Weel.
The agreement responds to mounting concerns about the expansion of synthetic drug markets and the increasing use of West Africa as a transit route for cocaine shipments.
Both countries warned that criminal networks involved in the narcotics trade generate substantial illicit financial flows, undermine public institutions and create serious security and public health risks. They also expressed concern about the exposure of young people to highly addictive and dangerous substances.
Under the agreement, Ghana and the Netherlands will strengthen intelligence sharing, cross-border coordination and mutual legal assistance. The measures are expected to improve investigations and support the prosecution of individuals and organizations involved in international drug trafficking.
The partnership will combine law enforcement with evidence-based public health interventions. These will include programmes focused on drug prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for people affected by substance abuse.
Both governments have also agreed to support research and develop early warning systems capable of identifying emerging drug trends before they become widespread. Information gathered through these systems will help authorities respond more quickly to new substances, trafficking routes and consumption patterns.
A major objective of the agreement is to advance the Accra Call to Action, a strategic framework adopted during the High-Level Conference on Emerging Drug Markets held in Ghana in November 2025.
The framework calls for stronger international cooperation, improved data collection and coordinated action against rapidly changing drug markets.
The new pact builds on an existing security relationship between Ghana and the Netherlands. The Dutch government previously supported Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission by funding the installation of advanced intrusive security scanners at Kotoka International Airport.
The equipment was introduced to strengthen the detection of concealed narcotics and prevent Ghana from being used as a transit point by international trafficking networks.
Source: Omanghana
