The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye, has made allegations that Ghana has become a significant transit hub for illicit drugs under the current administration. He claims that officials at the country's ports and airports are facilitating the movement of narcotics. These allegations were made during a press briefing on September 22, 2026.
According to Mr. Boakye, Ghana's role in the narcotics trade is not coincidental but rather a result of complicity among officials at the ports and airports. He stated that criminal networks involved in narcotics trafficking have established operational bases within Ghana, including clandestine facilities for processing illicit substances.
Mr. Boakye linked his claims to international narcotics seizures involving consignments traced to Ghana and intercepted in other countries. He specifically mentioned seizures in Australia, France, and South Africa, citing Sydney, Dunkirk, and Johannesburg as destinations where narcotics connected to Ghana had surfaced.
The NPP National Organiser alleged that the narcotics are not merely passing through Ghana but are, in some instances, being processed within the country before being moved abroad. He accused unnamed government officials of assisting traffickers and permitting the movement of narcotics through Ghanaian ports and airports.
Ghana has previously faced international scrutiny over its exposure to organised drug trafficking due to its geographical position, maritime connections, and international air links. Historical investigations have documented cases involving narcotics trafficking through Ghana, although such evidence does not establish the specific allegations made by Mr. Boakye.
The allegations made by Mr. Boakye constitute claims by an opposition political figure and should be distinguished from independently established findings by law enforcement authorities or a judicial determination. No specific official, facility, or individual was identified by name during the remarks.
Mr. Boakye’s comments have placed renewed political attention on Ghana’s systems for detecting and intercepting illicit drugs, particularly at major maritime and aviation entry points. His allegations raise questions about the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for screening cargo and passenger luggage.
Key points
- Ghana has emerged as a major transit point for illicit drugs under President John Dramani Mahama's administration.
- The NPP National Organiser alleged complicity among officials at Ghana's ports and airports in facilitating the movement of narcotics.
- The allegations have raised questions about the effectiveness of Ghana's systems for detecting and intercepting illicit drugs.
