New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong has expressed concerns over the government's handling of a series of major drug seizures linked to Ghana. He argued that the trend raises questions about the effectiveness of state institutions responsible for preventing drug trafficking. According to him, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government had promised Ghanaians improved governance, but seems to be struggling with the growing drug trafficking concerns.
Mr Kodua noted that the frequency and scale of the reported seizures suggest that drug trafficking has become a commercial venture involving sophisticated networks. He questioned the government's efforts to tackle the issue, stating that the NDC promised Ghanaians a better Ghana. The NPP General Secretary claimed that there had been about 12 major drug busts within 18 months of the current administration, raising concerns about the authorities' ability to identify those behind the shipments.
Mr Kodua further alleged that the scale of the operations raises questions about possible failures or complicity within institutions responsible for monitoring Ghana's ports, airports, and other entry points. He suggested that those involved in the drug trafficking activities may be in higher authorities, given the large quantities of drugs being trafficked. Mr Kodua called on President John Mahama to scrutinize his appointees and ensure that officials whose institutions are responsible for preventing drug trafficking are held accountable where necessary.
The NPP General Secretary also criticized the continued presence of some heads of state institutions, including those responsible for the ports, airports, and policing. He argued that large consignments of cocaine could not pass through such facilities without raising questions about oversight. Mr Kodua stated that the NPP would continue to put pressure on the government until what he described as the right measures were taken to address the problem.
Mr Kodua's comments follow the reported seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk in France in September 2026. The drugs, estimated to be worth €225 million, were reportedly concealed in a container carrying plastic waste shipped from Ghana. Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission subsequently announced the arrest of three people in connection with the consignment.
The incident came weeks after the seizure of 866 parcels of substances suspected to be cocaine at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave on August 5, 2026. The consignment, reportedly valued at $6.9 million, was allegedly concealed in sacks of gari. Mr Kodua also accused the government of diverting the attention of the security agencies toward members of the NPP instead of focusing on national security threats.
The NPP General Secretary emphasized that the security agencies must redirect their focus to tackle national issues, not attack NPP members. He stated that the NDC has lost its focus, and the NPP is ready to fight against the rising drug trafficking concerns.
Key points
- Justin Kodua questions government's response to major drug seizures linked to Ghana
- NPP General Secretary calls on President John Mahama to scrutinize appointees over rising drug trafficking
- Recent seizures include 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at Port of Dunkirk and 866 parcels of cocaine at Tema Harbour enclave
