The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has called for the dismissal of nine security and drug-enforcement officials following a series of significant cocaine seizures and trafficking cases. NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye stated that these officials have failed in their duties, leading to a substantial amount of cocaine entering the country. Boakye criticized President John Dramani Mahama's government for what he described as weak leadership in addressing the issue.
Boakye pointed to several recent cocaine interceptions, including a notable case in March 2025 where a tipper truck was found carrying over three tonnes of cocaine at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast. Another case involved the seizure of about 120 slabs of cocaine on the Takoradi-Cape Coast highway. These cases collectively represent roughly 4.5 tonnes of cocaine. Boakye argued that such large quantities of drugs indicate significant failures within the system.
The NPP also raised concerns about two aircraft that landed at Kotoka International Airport in March 2025. The party's Minority in Parliament questioned the legitimacy of these flights, but the government and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) found no evidence of illicit substances on board and stated the aircraft had legitimate reasons for being in Ghana. Boakye accused the government of attempting to silence Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who had raised questions about the aircraft.
Boakye expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response to the broader issue of drug trafficking, stating that President Mahama's directives to security agencies have not led to sufficient action. He criticized Mahama for convening a meeting at the Jubilee House and directing security agencies to strengthen their operations without including the removal of officials responsible for the alleged lapses. Boakye described this as an example of weak leadership.
The NPP's demands for the dismissal of security officials come as part of a broader critique of the government's handling of drug trafficking. Boakye emphasized that the party voted for leadership, not what he termed as weak leadership. He urged for accountability within the security and drug-enforcement agencies to address the issue effectively.
President Mahama had previously directed security and investigative agencies, including NACOC and the Police Criminal Investigations Department, to work with Ntim Fordjour in investigating the aircraft allegations. However, Boakye argued that the government's actions have not matched its rhetoric on tackling drug trafficking. He claimed that instead of taking decisive action, the government is "pampering the activities of illicit drugs."
The NPP's criticisms have added to the ongoing debate about drug trafficking in Ghana and the effectiveness of the government's response. The party's call for the dismissal of security officials reflects its broader concerns about accountability and leadership within the current administration. As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the NPP's demands and the concerns about drug trafficking.
Key points
- NPP calls for dismissal of nine security officials over cocaine seizures.
- Criticism of President Mahama's leadership in addressing drug trafficking.
- Recent cocaine seizures include interceptions of over 4.5 tonnes of cocaine in March 2025.
