The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has demanded a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into a series of narcotics seizures linked to Ghana, citing concerns over the country's international reputation. The latest seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French customs at Dunkirk on September 7, 2026, exposed serious gaps in Ghana's security and port inspection systems, the group said. This follows several other cases, including the seizure of over 3.3 tonnes of cocaine at Pedu Junction in March 2025.
According to the CDM, the seizures have significant implications for Ghana's reputation, with the country's name appearing in charge sheets in foreign courts. Honest exporters may face greater suspicion, and Ghanaian travellers may be subjected to additional scrutiny. The group noted that Ghana had spent decades building its international reputation, but was now "losing it in months." The Minority has valued seizures linked to Ghana at over $1 billion since 2025.
The CDM questioned the 2018 Cabinet decision that removed the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) from joint container inspections at the ports. The group demanded to know why the President was not alerted earlier if the directive had created a serious security gap. Citing the Pedu Junction seizure, the Kotoka cargo seizure, and the Sydney methamphetamine case as warning signs, the CDM said that either the chiefs did not see the gap or saw it and kept quiet.
The CDM is backing calls for Parliament to be recalled for an emergency sitting and demanding a bipartisan committee of inquiry drawn equally from the Majority and Minority. The committee should examine the entire chain of events, from the 2018 Cabinet decision through the seizures and clearances recorded in 2025 and 2026. The group also wants the President to publish the task force's findings in full and act on the inquiry's outcome.
The CDM's concerns are shared by some MPs, who are urging the government to take action. Ntim Fordjour, for instance, has urged MPs to put Ghana first in the drug trafficking probe. The Minority caucus has also questioned why key suspects in the $350m cocaine bust remain unidentified. The government has been accused of failing to act on Ghana's drug crisis.
The series of narcotics seizures has significant implications for Ghana's economy and international relationships. The country's ports and reputation belong to every Ghanaian, and the CDM believes that a bipartisan enquiry is necessary to provide answers. The group is calling for accountability from security chiefs and agencies involved in the matter.
The CDM's demands come as Ghana faces increased scrutiny over its role in the narcotics trade. The country's authorities have been working to address the issue, with NACOC making some arrests and seizures. However, the CDM believes that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem and restore Ghana's international reputation.
Key points
- Centre for Democratic Movement demands bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into narcotics seizures
- Ghana's international reputation at risk due to series of narcotics seizures
- 2018 Cabinet decision on NACOC's role in port inspections under scrutiny
