Ghanaian politician Joseph Cudjoe has expressed concerns about the growing threat of cocaine trafficking in the country. In an opinion piece published on October 5, 2026, Cudjoe noted that Ghana is already struggling to contain the illicit economy of galamsey, or illegal mining, and cannot afford to handle a second major criminal enterprise. He warned that the cocaine trade could undermine state institutions and the rule of law, citing the tragic histories of Colombia and Mexico.
Cudjoe drew parallels between the emergence of galamsey and cocaine trafficking in Ghana. He noted that both started small but grew into sophisticated networks with massive capital, complex logistics, and international reach. The politician expressed alarm that shipments of cocaine worth hundreds of millions of dollars originating from Ghana signal a significant threat to the country's security. He emphasized that Ghana cannot afford to follow the path of countries where drug cartels have become entrenched.
The politician highlighted the potential consequences of Ghana's inability to contain the cocaine trade. He noted that large criminal revenues can buy protection, incentivize corruption, and enable the purchase of weapons. Cudjoe emphasized that prevention is the only viable strategy and that the government must act decisively to stop cocaine trafficking before it becomes nearly impossible and catastrophically expensive to dismantle.
Cudjoe called on the government to uncover the financiers of cocaine trafficking operations, identify those facilitating or shielding the trade, and take action against them. He emphasized that the law must strike without fear or favor, and that recent inter-agency actions must not be limited to routine seizures and arrests. The politician stressed that the kingpins of the cocaine trade must be targeted and brought to justice.
The government has been urged to take a proactive approach to addressing the threat of cocaine trafficking. Cudjoe noted that Ghana is already fighting the security threat posed by galamsey and cannot afford to open a second front in the form of cocaine cartels. He emphasized that the time to stop the cocaine trade is now, before it becomes a major security threat.
Cudjoe's concerns about cocaine trafficking in Ghana have been raised at a time of growing concern about the country's security. The politician's warnings have been made in the context of the country's experience with galamsey, which has had devastating environmental and economic consequences. He emphasized that Ghana's state institutions must be strengthened to prevent the cocaine trade from taking hold.
The article by Joseph Cudjoe was published on TV3 Ghana and reflects his personal perspective and analysis. The politician's views and opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MG Digital, 3News, or its associates.
Key points
- The government must act decisively to stop cocaine trafficking in Ghana.
- Cocaine trafficking poses a significant threat to Ghana's security.
- Ghana cannot afford to handle a second major criminal enterprise alongside galamsey.
