Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged authorities to investigate individuals and entities financing cocaine shipments linked to Ghana. He made the call on October 3, 2026, at the NPP's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi. Bawumia emphasized that arresting couriers alone will not address the growing concerns over Ghana's role as a transit point for narcotics. He stressed the need to identify those financing and organizing the shipments.
Bawumia's comments come amid renewed scrutiny of Ghana's role in international cocaine trafficking following several seizures abroad. One notable case occurred in France on September 10, 2026, when French customs officers seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk. The drugs, valued at about €225 million, were concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana. The shipment was reportedly destined for Antwerp, Belgium. French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the suspected criminal network behind the shipment.
The Dunkirk seizure has raised questions about how such a large consignment could leave Ghana undetected and reach a European port. Bawumia said Ghana's international reputation is at stake and urged for urgent action. He proposed a bipartisan parliamentary committee with the power to summon witnesses and demand shipping records to investigate the issue. This committee would help uncover the financiers and organizers of the cocaine trade.
Bawumia has previously criticized the government over its handling of Ghana-linked narcotics cases. He made the issue part of his broader criticism of the government's security and governance record. The NPP flagbearer emphasized that Ghanaians want to know who is financing these shipments and how they continue to pass through Ghana's ports undetected.
The issue has significant implications for Ghana's international reputation, and Bawumia stressed that the country cannot afford to be seen as a major transit point for narcotics. He called for a comprehensive approach to address the problem, going beyond arresting couriers to targeting the financiers and organizers of the trade.
Bawumia's proposal for a bipartisan parliamentary committee has been seen as a move to unite the country's efforts to combat the issue. The committee would have the power to summon witnesses and demand shipping records, helping to uncover the truth behind the cocaine shipments. This move is expected to receive support from various stakeholders in Ghana.
The NPP's National Delegates Conference in Kumasi provided a platform for Bawumia to address the issue and propose solutions. The conference, which took place on October 3, 2026, brought together various party members and stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting the country. Bawumia's call for a probe into the financiers behind Ghana-linked cocaine shipments is expected to resonate with many Ghanaians.
Key points
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia calls for investigation into financiers of cocaine shipments linked to Ghana.
- A bipartisan parliamentary committee is proposed to investigate the issue and summon witnesses.
- The issue has significant implications for Ghana's international reputation.
