The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has proposed the establishment of a bipartisan parliamentary committee to investigate the increasing number of drug seizures linked to the country. The committee would be required to hold public hearings, summon witnesses, and obtain relevant shipping and clearance records. This call comes in response to a recent seizure in France of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine hidden in plastic waste allegedly originating from Ghana.
According to the NPP's National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, the proposed committee is necessary due to the alarming rise in drug seizures globally linked to Ghana. He cited 12 major incidents between 2025 and September 2026, including seizures in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Australia, with an estimated street value of over $1 billion. These incidents involved various commodities, such as sand-filled tipper trucks, traditional artefacts, gari, and other food products.
Mr Boakye expressed concerns that drug cartels are exploiting Ghana's legitimate export economy, using commodities like gari, charcoal, and artefacts as covers. He alleged that traffickers have established clandestine laboratories in the country and that some officials are facilitating the movement of narcotics. The NPP claims that the frequent seizures harm Ghana's reputation globally and adversely affect individual travellers and international businesses.
The NPP has demanded the removal of heads of institutions involved in port, airport, border, and narcotics control operations, citing the need for "full accountability." The institutions include the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Shippers Authority, Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), National Security Coordinator, National Intelligence Bureau, Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), Customs Division, and the CID.
The recent seizure in France, which led to the NPP's call for a bipartisan probe, involved nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in plastic waste. Mr Boakye stated that this incident demonstrates how drug cartels have studied Ghana's system, identified weaknesses, and concluded that the country is an open gateway for their operations.
The NPP's proposal for a bipartisan committee aims to ensure a thorough investigation into the drug seizures and identify those responsible. The party believes that a public inquiry will help restore public trust and demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing the issue. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is over $1 billion, highlighting the severity of the problem.
The issue has significant implications for Ghana's international reputation and its economy. The NPP's call for action underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the problem, including increased transparency and accountability in the country's ports and borders.
Key points
- The NPP proposes a bipartisan parliamentary committee to investigate drug seizures linked to Ghana.
- The party cites 12 major incidents between 2025 and September 2026 with an estimated street value of over $1 billion.
- The NPP demands the removal of heads of institutions involved in port, airport, border, and narcotics control operations.
