Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has expressed concerns about Ghana's security and port monitoring systems following a significant cocaine seizure in France. On September 10, 2026, French customs officials intercepted 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk. The consignment, valued at approximately €225 million, was hidden in a container carrying plastic waste that originated from Ghana.
Mr. Anyidoho questioned how such a large shipment of narcotics could have moved through Ghana without the involvement of multiple individuals. He emphasized that the quantity of cocaine involved suggests a chain of people were involved in the operation. Therefore, he urged investigators to look beyond those who physically handled the drugs and identify those who allegedly organized and facilitated the shipment.
The seizure has raised questions about the effectiveness of Ghana's systems for monitoring cargo. Mr. Anyidoho drew on his personal experience at an airport, where a power bank in his luggage was detected during routine screening. He found it puzzling that a shipment containing nearly four tonnes of cocaine could leave Ghana concealed inside a container. This has sparked concerns about potential weaknesses in Ghana's port security.
The incident could have wider implications for Ghana's international reputation, particularly amid reports that French authorities had withheld intelligence-sharing with Ghana over concerns about trust. Mr. Anyidoho described the development as an embarrassment to the country and warned that its consequences could extend beyond the ongoing drug investigation.
Mr. Anyidoho also questioned some of Ghana's recent international arrangements, including an agreement announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on March 23, 2026. The agreement aimed to establish a connection between the Port of Tema and Colombia's Port of Cartagena. He raised concerns about the rationale for the arrangement and what goods or commercial interests would make the connection necessary.
Furthermore, Mr. Anyidoho expressed concerns about visa-free arrangements between Ghana and other countries. He asked whether such policies could potentially be exploited by criminal networks. He stressed the need for authorities to remain vigilant about cross-border movement and illicit activities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Reflecting on Ghana's political history, Mr. Anyidoho acknowledged that the cocaine trade had previously featured prominently in partisan political discourse. He recalled his role in the NDC's campaign during the 2006–2008 period, when the party described the then Kufuor administration as having turned Ghana into a "cocaine coast". He pledged to continue demanding accountability from institutions responsible for Ghana's security and governance systems.
Key points
- Former NDC Deputy General Secretary Samuel Koku Anyidoho urges investigators to look beyond individuals who handled the drugs.
- The seizure has raised concerns about Ghana's security and port monitoring systems.
- The incident could have wider implications for Ghana's international reputation.
