Social activist and private legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor has expressed disappointment over the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) handling of claims that cocaine factories are operating in Ghana. The controversy began after a series of recent cocaine seizures linked to Ghana, including the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French authorities at the Port of Dunkirk early September 2026. Barker-Vormawor's criticism follows a statement by the NPP's National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, who claimed the party's intelligence suggested the existence of a drug factory in the country.
The NPP's claim was met with a response from the Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who appeared to downplay the statement, saying it was metaphorical and intended to provide context to concerns raised by government officials. Afenyo-Markin made these comments in an interview on Accra-based Adom TV's Badwam show on Tuesday, September 29. This explanation has raised concerns about the seriousness with which political actors are approaching matters of national importance.
Barker-Vormawor took to social media to express his disappointment, questioning whether there are people within the opposition party who could challenge what he described as political stunts. He asked if governance should be reduced to a joke and if nothing had been learnt from the experience. Barker-Vormawor's comments highlight the need for a more serious approach to addressing concerns about narcotics in the country.
The controversy has also led to a motion by the Minority seeking a Parliamentary inquiry into recent narcotics seizures related to Ghana. However, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has dismissed the motion, citing the risk of prejudicing ongoing investigations and criminal cases related to the developments. The Speaker's decision has been met with criticism from some who argue that a parliamentary inquiry is necessary to uncover the truth.
The NPP's initial claim about the existence of cocaine factories in Ghana sparked widespread debate and concern. The party's National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, said the party's intelligence suggested that such factories were operating in the country. However, the subsequent explanation that the references were metaphorical has raised more questions than answers.
The recent cocaine seizures linked to Ghana have highlighted the need for a more effective approach to addressing the issue of narcotics in the country. The seizures, including the one at the Port of Dunkirk, have raised concerns about the extent of the problem and the need for a comprehensive solution. The government's response to the issue has been criticized, with some arguing that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem.
The issue has also raised questions about the role of politics in addressing national concerns. Barker-Vormawor's criticism of the NPP's handling of the issue highlights the need for a more serious approach to addressing matters of national importance. The controversy has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of sensitive issues.
Key points
- - Social activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor criticises NPP over claims of cocaine factories in Ghana. - The controversy began after a series of recent cocaine seizures linked to Ghana. - The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has dismissed a motion seeking a parliamentary inquiry into recent narcotics seizures.
