The Minority in Ghana's Parliament has called on the government to publish full and verifiable data on drug seizures, arrests, and prosecutions in real-time. This call was made by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, at a press briefing ahead of parliamentary consideration of a motion seeking the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate drug trafficking and related security concerns. The Minority is concerned about the extent of Ghana's involvement in the international drug trade.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour cited several major drug seizures involving consignments originating from or linked to Ghana. In March 2025, 3.3 tonnes of cocaine concealed beneath sand in a tipper truck were seized in Cape Coast, with an estimated value of over $350 million. In June 2026, Australian authorities found 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine in two containers from Ghana, with a street value of A$296 million. These seizures, announced by foreign authorities after the drugs had left Ghana, raise questions about the effectiveness of Ghana's scanning, profiling, and enforcement systems.
The Minority's concerns are further highlighted by a recent seizure by French authorities on September 10, 2026, of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed among recycled plastics in a container shipped from Ghana to Dunkirk, France. Rev. Ntim Fordjour emphasized that these incidents can no longer be treated as isolated and called for a comprehensive investigation into how the consignments were assembled, inspected, and cleared. The proposed ad hoc committee would examine the roles of state agencies, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and clearing agents involved in handling the consignments.
The committee would also investigate whether the financiers and organisers behind the consignments are being pursued and whether their financial trails are being traced. Rev. Ntim Fordjour questioned why the financiers behind the Pedu Junction cocaine case had not been identified, noting that three accused persons remain on bail about 18 months after the incident. He argued that large consignments of cocaine could not be moved solely through the efforts of drivers and their assistants.
The Minority warned that repeated drug trafficking incidents could create the perception that Ghana is becoming a transit point for international drug networks. Rev. Ntim Fordjour stressed that the proposed committee would examine possible complicity by state agencies and recommend institutional reforms to strengthen the nation's anti-narcotics controls. The committee would have powers to summon witnesses and demand documents, with proceedings conducted publicly except where national security considerations required otherwise.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour called on Members of Parliament to support the proposed inquiry, arguing that drug trafficking is a national security and public health concern rather than a partisan matter. He emphasized that the Minority's demand for the publication of drug seizure data aims to ensure that Ghanaians no longer depend on foreign customs and law enforcement agencies to learn about major drug consignments linked to the country.
The Minority also urged the government to address the ongoing strike by teachers and condemned the attempted arrest of the Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by officers of the Economic and Organised Crime Office. Rev. Ntim Fordjour said the Minority would raise the latter matter on the floor of Parliament, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest raised concerns about the rule of law.
Key points
- The Minority in Ghana's Parliament calls for real-time publication of drug seizure data to ensure accountability.
- A proposed ad hoc committee would investigate drug trafficking and related security concerns in Ghana.
- The Minority warns that Ghana could be perceived as a transit point for international drug networks if drug trafficking incidents continue.
