Omanghana
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has warned that Ghana risks becoming a safe haven for international drug trafficking networks, citing major narcotics seizures abroad involving consignments linked to the country.
Speaking at a parliamentary leadership engagement with the media on November 3, 2026, he called on the government to explain how suspected traffickers have been able to exploit Ghana-linked trading routes.
He said the seizures raised questions about port security, cargo inspections, customs controls and intelligence coordination. He also warned that repeated incidents could damage Ghana’s reputation and lead to increased scrutiny and costs for legitimate exporters.
French seizure raises concerns
Among the cases cited by Afenyo-Markin was the seizure of approximately 3.9 tones of cocaine at the French port of Dunkirk in September 2026.
French authorities said the drugs were concealed in a container of plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana. The consignment was estimated to be worth about €225 million.
Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission announced arrests in connection with the shipment. Four people were subsequently charged in Ghana over their alleged involvement and pleaded not guilty.
Minority seeks review of Speaker’s ruling
Afenyo-Markin said the Minority had filed a motion asking Speaker Alban Bagbin to review his earlier decision to reject a proposed parliamentary inquiry into the seizures.
Bagbin ruled the original motion inadmissible on September 29, saying an inquiry in its proposed form could prejudice ongoing investigations and criminal proceedings.
The Minority Leader argued that Parliament has a separate responsibility to examine possible institutional weaknesses without determining the guilt or innocence of those before the courts.
Majority points to enforcement efforts
Majority Leader James Agalga said the Majority was prepared to debate the Minority’s concerns if the review motion was admitted. He also pointed to operations by Ghanaian security agencies as evidence of efforts to combat trafficking.
Those operations include the National Intelligence Bureau’s interception of cocaine valued at more than US$350 million at Pedu Junction in the Central Region in March 2025. The Interior Ministry has said the drugs were destroyed following a court order, while suspects were charged in connection with the seizure.
President John Dramani Mahama also directed the formation of an inter-agency task force in September 2026 to develop measures against drug trafficking through Ghana’s borders.
Source: Omanghana
