Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Assin South MP and Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, has called on the Ghanaian government to immediately cancel the maritime shipping agreement with Colombia. He expressed concerns that the deal offers little economic benefit to Ghana while raising serious security concerns. The agreement, signed in March 2026, establishes a direct maritime shipping route between the Port of Tema and the Port of Cartagena.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had previously stated that the new corridor aims to streamline trade, improve logistics, reduce transit times, and create fresh business opportunities for exporters and importers. The initiative was backed by Colombia's Vice President, Francia Elena Márquez Mina, and Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio. The government described the route as a chance to turn the Atlantic into a channel for economic growth, jobs, and shared prosperity between Africa and Latin America.
However, Rev. Ntim Fordjour argued that Colombia is not a major producer of goods that Ghana needs in large volumes, unlike countries such as China. He stated that if Colombia were a leading producer of products like furniture, textiles, or fruit juices, then expanding shipment would be beneficial. He drew on the UN Office on Drugs and Crime report, noting that Colombia, aside from Brazil, is identified as a major source of cocaine trafficking and produces about 70% of the world's cocaine.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour questioned why the Cabinet would approve a bilateral trade agreement involving the Port of Cartagena, a port widely known as a key route through which a significant volume of drugs is shipped. He observed that the deal would allow direct shipment between Ghana and Cartagena without passing through traditional transit points like Belgium or France. This, he believes, could compromise Ghana's security.
The lawmaker expressed concerns about Ghana's porous borders and the under-resourced security agencies, questioning the government's decision to sign the agreement. He stated that the government knows what they are doing and urged them to prioritize Ghana's interests. Rev. Ntim Fordjour made these comments on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem.
The Ghana-Colombia maritime shipping agreement has sparked controversy, with Rev. Ntim Fordjour's comments adding to the debate. The MP's concerns about drug trafficking risks are shared by many Ghanaians, who are worried about the potential consequences of the agreement. The government has not yet responded to Rev. Ntim Fordjour's calls for cancellation.
The issue highlights the challenges Ghana faces in balancing economic growth with security concerns. The government must weigh the potential benefits of the agreement against the risks of increased drug trafficking. Rev. Ntim Fordjour's comments have sparked a necessary conversation about Ghana's foreign policy and its implications for national security.
Key points
- Rev. John Ntim Fordjour calls for cancellation of Ghana-Colombia maritime deal due to drug trafficking risks.
- The agreement establishes a direct maritime shipping route between the Port of Tema and the Port of Cartagena.
- Colombia is a major source of cocaine trafficking, producing about 70% of the world's cocaine.
