The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has called for urgent action to address the growing threat of drug trafficking in the country. At a news conference in Accra, National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye stated that the increasing number of cocaine-related incidents and seizures raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Ghana's border, port, and airport security systems. The NPP party warned that the development poses a national security threat.
According to Mr. Boakye, despite President John Dramani Mahama's promise to tackle security failures, little has been done to address the issue. He cited 12 cocaine-related incidents recorded over an 18-month period, including several major seizures between March and July 2025. These incidents include the interception of a tipper truck carrying over 3.3 tonnes of cocaine valued at more than $350 million.
One of the notable cases mentioned by Mr. Boakye was the interception of a truck along the Takoradi-Cape Coast Highway, allegedly carrying about 120 slabs of cocaine valued at approximately $150 million. Additionally, on April 23, 2025, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) intercepted 89.7 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in wooden boxes at the Swissport Cargo Terminal. The consignment was destined for the Netherlands.
The NPP party also raised concerns about two aircraft from Spain that were allegedly linked to narcotics and undeclared United States currency at the Kotoka International Airport. Furthermore, Mr. Boakye cited the seizure of 866 parcels of suspected cocaine at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave on August 5, 2026, valued at about $6.9 million. Four persons were arrested in connection with the seizure.
In light of these incidents, the NPP party has called for the immediate recall of Parliament to examine the circumstances surrounding the seizures. They also proposed the establishment of a special bipartisan parliamentary committee with powers to summon witnesses and compel state institutions to produce documents. The party insisted that the hearing should be conducted publicly to ensure transparency.
Mr. Boakye further alleged that a port official, described as a relative of the Finance Minister, had his mandate renewed despite concerns about his performance. He also raised questions about an individual identified as "Musa," who allegedly had links to the presidential and vice-presidential security detail and was arrested in connection with cocaine shipments.
The NPP party's concerns highlight the need for a comprehensive review of Ghana's security and border-control systems to prevent future incidents of drug trafficking. The party's call for a probe into the recent cocaine seizures underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to address the issue.
Key points
- The NPP party cites 12 cocaine-related incidents in 18 months, including major seizures valued at over $500 million.
- The party calls for a special bipartisan parliamentary committee to investigate the seizures and summon witnesses.
- The incidents have raised concerns about weaknesses in Ghana's security and border-control systems.
