The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has called for the immediate dismissal of the heads of four key institutions: the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and National Security. This demand comes in response to repeated failures in preventing cocaine trafficking through Ghana. According to the NPP, there have been at least 14 major drug seizures involving Ghana between March 2025 and October 2026.
One of the recent seizures that drew attention was the interception of 46.7 kilogrammes of cocaine from a Syrian national at the Beirut airport on October 31. The cocaine was concealed in two suitcases equipped with electronic tracking devices by Lebanese Customs and General Security. The NPP's Second National Vice Chairman, Henry Nana Boakye, addressed a press conference at the party's headquarters in Accra on November 4, criticizing the government's inaction against officials of the relevant institutions.
Nana Boakye argued that the repeated seizures indicate possible weaknesses in Ghana's security systems, emphasizing the need for accountability. He stated, “They have failed, and they have failed repeatedly. They must be sacked, and they must be sacked now.” The NPP also questioned the government's explanation of the Beirut cocaine seizure being part of a controlled delivery operation involving NACOC and Lebanese authorities.
The NPP raised concerns about the government's narrative, pointing out inconsistencies regarding the authorization of the drug movement from Accra, the arrest of three foreign nationals in Ghana, and the alleged payment of bribes to airport officials. The party also noted that Lebanese authorities had not publicly acknowledged NACOC's involvement in the operation, further fueling skepticism.
In addition to demanding the dismissal of the security heads, the NPP called for a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into all Ghana-linked cocaine seizures since January 2025. They suggested that public hearings should be held to establish the circumstances surrounding these incidents. The party also urged the government to publish the names, nationalities, and charges of all persons arrested in Ghana in connection with the seizures.
The NPP further requested that the government publish the roadmap of an inter-agency task force established by President John Dramani Mahama following an emergency security meeting on September 17, 2026. This task force was set up in response to growing concerns over drug trafficking through Ghana. The NPP's demands reflect a broader call for transparency and accountability within Ghana's security and regulatory institutions.
The repeated drug seizures have raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of Ghana's security measures and the potential for corruption within key institutions. The NPP's push for a thorough investigation and the dismissal of the heads of NACOC, GACL, GPHA, and National Security underscores the political pressure mounting on the government to address these issues effectively.
Key points
- NPP demands immediate dismissal of NACOC, GACL, GPHA, and National Security heads
- Recent seizures include 46.7 kg of cocaine found at Beirut airport on October 31
- NPP calls for bipartisan parliamentary inquiry into Ghana-linked cocaine seizures since January 2025
