Ghana's Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the government to immediately suspend the country's maritime, port and visa-waiver arrangements with Colombia. This decision comes in response to a series of large cocaine seizures linked to Colombia, raising concerns about Ghana's national security. The Minority Caucus on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee made this demand in a statement issued on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The Minority Caucus is particularly concerned about the maritime cooperation agreement signed in March 2026, which establishes a direct shipping link between the Port of Tema and the Port of Cartagena. This agreement was intended to boost trade and logistics between Africa and Latin America. However, given Colombia's position in the global cocaine trade, the arrangement warrants closer scrutiny. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's 2026 World Drug Report, Colombia is one of the main departure points for cocaine shipments worldwide.
The caucus pointed out that Colombia, followed by Peru and Brazil, has been identified as a primary source of cocaine shipments between 2020 and 2024. Most cocaine leaving Colombia is moved by sea, which raises concerns about the security of Ghana's ports. The Minority Caucus emphasized that prudence and good governance demand a comprehensive national-security assessment of the maritime cooperation agreement before it is permitted to remain in operation.
The recent cocaine seizures have cast doubt on the security of Ghana's ports, and the Minority Caucus cautioned against allowing these concerns to grow. The caucus stressed that Ghana's ports must remain gateways for legitimate trade, and not conduits for international criminal networks. The Minority Caucus's demands come as Ghana deepens its relationship with Colombia, and amid concerns about the integrity of its ports.
In addition to suspending the port and visa deals, the Minority Caucus is also calling for a comprehensive security review of the entire framework of agreements between Ghana and Colombia. This review is necessary to ensure that Ghana's national security and institutions are protected. The caucus warned that it would continue to press for accountability and measures to safeguard Ghana's security and national interest.
The Minority Caucus's statement highlights the need for the government to take a closer look at its relationships with other countries, particularly those with a history of involvement in the cocaine trade. The caucus's demands are aimed at protecting Ghana's national security and preventing the country from being used as a transit point for illicit drugs.
The government has yet to respond to the Minority Caucus's demands, but the issue is likely to be debated in Parliament in the coming days. The opposition's call for a suspension of the port and visa deals with Colombia has raised questions about the potential impact on trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Key points
- The Minority Caucus is calling for a suspension of Ghana's maritime, port and visa-waiver arrangements with Colombia due to national security concerns.
- The caucus is also demanding a comprehensive security review of the entire framework of agreements between Ghana and Colombia.
- The recent cocaine seizures have raised concerns about the security of Ghana's ports and the integrity of its relationships with other countries.
