Ghana's reputation is being tarnished by its involvement in international drug trafficking, with the country's name being linked to several high-profile seizures in recent months. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on the government to take a more proactive approach to addressing the problem. He made the remarks on October 3, 2026, while addressing the NPP's National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Dr. Bawumia argued that arresting drug couriers alone is not enough to address the problem, and that the government needs to identify and prosecute those who are financing and organising the shipments. He questioned how consignments suspected to contain narcotics continue to pass through Ghana's ports without detection, and insisted that authorities must pursue the networks behind the shipments.
The NPP flagbearer expressed concern that Ghana's ports are being used as a transit point for illicit drugs, with the country's name being dragged through ports in Europe. He cited a recent example of a shipment of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine seized by French customs authorities at the northern port of Dunkirk on September 10. The cocaine, valued at approximately €225 million (US$261.45 million), was concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana.
The seizure is part of a larger trend of international drug trafficking involving Ghana, with several high-profile cases reported in recent months. French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the seizure and the criminal network suspected of being behind the consignment. Dr. Bawumia's remarks place renewed focus on efforts to identify the people and organisations allegedly financing and coordinating drug shipments.
Dr. Bawumia's comments also highlight the need for greater cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and their international counterparts to address the problem of drug trafficking. He urged the government to take a more proactive approach to addressing the problem, and to work with international partners to disrupt the networks behind the shipments.
The NPP flagbearer is not the only one calling for greater action on drug trafficking in Ghana. The issue has been a major concern for the government and civil society groups for several years, with many calling for more to be done to address the problem. Dr. Bawumia's remarks are likely to add to the pressure on the government to take action.
The government has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, with some accusing it of not doing enough to address the problem. Dr. Bawumia's remarks are likely to add to the debate on the issue, and to increase pressure on the government to take action. The government has announced meetings to discuss the issue, but Dr. Bawumia argues that more needs to be done.
Key points
- Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia urges gov’t to identify those financing and organising cocaine shipments.
- Arresting drug couriers alone is not enough to address the problem.
- Ghana's reputation is being tarnished by its involvement in international drug trafficking.
