Members of Parliament in Ghana are reporting for an emergency sitting today, September 29, following a recall from recess. The sitting aims to address recent cocaine seizures linked to Ghana. Parliament had previously adjourned sine die on July 31 but was recalled for special sittings in August. The current meeting focuses on discussing the increasing trend of cocaine seizures involving Ghanaian consignments.
On September 12, French customs authorities intercepted 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at approximately $261.45 million, hidden in a plastic waste consignment from Ghana. The seizure was made at Dunkirk in northern France, and the drugs were destined for Antwerp, Belgium. French authorities stated that the interception resulted from a judicial police operation targeting a criminal syndicate behind the consignment.
This recent seizure is not an isolated incident. On March 4, 2025, over 3.3 tonnes of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $350 million, were intercepted in Ghana. The cocaine was concealed beneath sand and was reportedly being transported from Takoradi to Accra. These incidents highlight Ghana's growing involvement in major trafficking cases over the past 18 months.
In response to the increasing trend of illegal smuggling and sale of prohibited goods, including narcotic drugs, the Ghanaian government has stepped up efforts to curb these activities. In August, three individuals were remanded by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly concealing 869 slabs of suspected cocaine in bags of gari and cassava powder in Tema.
The accused individuals in the Tema case include Gilano Jorgino Holwin, a Dutch security guard; Alhaji Iddrisu Haruna, a 56-year-old transporter; and John Mensah Sarbah, a 41-year-old clearing agent. They were apprehended by police officers at the Golden Suvineur warehouse at the Main Harbour in Tema, following intelligence. This incident follows a similar case in which the Narcotics Control Commission seized a consignment containing approximately five million Tramadol tablets valued at an estimated GH¢100 million at the Accra International Airport.
The Narcotics Control Commission's seizure was the result of an intelligence-led operation, and three suspects were arrested in connection with the intercepted consignment. Additionally, in March, nine public officers, including five Customs officials, were arrested for their alleged involvement in an undeclared Tramadol consignment at Tema Port. The remaining four individuals comprised one officer each from the Narcotics Control Commission, Port Security, the Energy Commission, and the Ghana Standards Authority.
The increasing number of cocaine seizures and related arrests in Ghana highlights the need for enhanced efforts to combat trafficking and smuggling activities. The emergency sitting of Parliament aims to address these issues and explore strategies to prevent further incidents.
Key points
- The recent cocaine seizures in Ghana and Europe have significant implications for the country's efforts to combat trafficking and smuggling.
- The Ghanaian government has stepped up efforts to curb the illegal smuggling and sale of prohibited goods, including narcotic drugs.
- The emergency sitting of Parliament aims to discuss the recent cocaine seizures and explore strategies to prevent further incidents.
