The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has called for a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into a series of major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana. The group stated that the country's international reputation and confidence in its security systems are at stake. This call follows the seizure by French customs of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk on September 7, 2026. The consignment, concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana, was estimated by French authorities at about €225 million.
The CDM noted that the Dunkirk seizure forms part of a wider pattern of narcotics cases linked to Ghana since 2025. The group argued that these developments could have consequences for legitimate Ghanaian businesses and travellers if the country becomes increasingly associated with international drug trafficking. The organisation expressed concern that Ghana's name is on the line and that urgent action is needed to address the situation.
The CDM has backed calls for an emergency sitting of Parliament and urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to establish a bipartisan committee of inquiry. The committee is expected to examine the 2018 decision that excluded the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) from routine physical container inspections, as well as subsequent seizures and port-clearance procedures. This inquiry aims to uncover the root causes of the problem and identify potential solutions.
President John Mahama has since directed NACOC to return to joint container inspections and given security agencies two weeks to harmonise their operations. This move is seen as a step in the right direction, but the CDM believes that a more comprehensive investigation is needed to address the issue effectively. The bipartisan committee of inquiry is expected to provide a more detailed understanding of the problem and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk is a significant blow to Ghana's reputation as a country. The country's international partners and businesses may view Ghana as a high-risk destination for investment and trade, which could have long-term consequences for the economy. The CDM's call for a bipartisan inquiry is seen as a move to mitigate these risks and restore confidence in Ghana's security systems.
The Centre for Democratic Movement is a civil society organisation that advocates for democratic values and good governance in Ghana. The group's call for a bipartisan inquiry into the cocaine saga reflects its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the country's governance. The CDM's statement has sparked a national conversation about the issue, with many Ghanaians calling for urgent action to address the problem.
The bipartisan committee of inquiry is expected to provide a detailed report on its findings and recommendations. The report will likely identify areas for improvement in Ghana's security systems and provide recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future. The CDM's call for a bipartisan inquiry has received widespread support from Ghanaians, who are eager to see the country take decisive action to address the issue.
Key points
- Centre for Democratic Movement calls for bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into series of major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana
- French customs seize nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at Port of Dunkirk concealed in container carrying plastic waste from Ghana
- President John Mahama directs NACOC to return to joint container inspections and harmonise operations with security agencies
