President Mahama Orders Port Security Overhaul After 3.9-Tonne Cocaine Seizure Sparks Parliamentary Clash

President John Mahama has directed security agencies to reinforce Ghana’s ports to create an "ironclad" defense against drug trafficking following the interception of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France. The shipment, which reportedly originated from Ghana, was seized by French authorities in Dunkirk on September 10, 2026. In response to the breach, the President held urgent meetings with security heads to address systemic weaknesses, acknowledging that internal rivalries and poor information sharing among agencies have historically undermined border integrity. Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that while the administration rejects the label of Ghana as a "cocaine coast," there is an urgent need for a roadmap to improve inter-agency collaboration.

In Parliament, the seizure has triggered a heated debate over accountability and oversight. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has led the Minority’s call for a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry. Jinapor argued that the government cannot effectively investigate narcotics exports that occurred under its own watch, suggesting that relying solely on internal security probes could lead to a "grand cover-up." He questioned how such a massive consignment could pass through scanning and surveillance systems undetected, asserting that the public deserves an independent assessment of port operations and narcotics control measures.

However, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin dismissed a Private Member’s motion seeking an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter. The Speaker ruled the motion inadmissible, citing concerns that a parliamentary inquiry could prejudice ongoing judicial proceedings and police investigations. While reaffirming Parliament’s constitutional mandate for oversight, Bagbin stressed that the house must respect the independence of the judiciary. This decision was met with sharp criticism from the Minority Leader and Jinapor, who maintained that the proposed inquiry would focus on institutional failures rather than interfering with specific criminal prosecutions.

Amidst the political tension, the government has moved to clarify recent statements regarding the investigation. Felix Kwakye Ofosu explained that comments made by the Interior Minister concerning "involvement" in the drug trade referred to the scrutiny of security officials and inconsistent investigative processes rather than political figures. The government maintains that recent high-profile busts are evidence that security agencies are active, though they admit that "turf wars" between competing agencies remain a significant hurdle. President Mahama has reiterated that Ghana will not be allowed to become a transit hub for international narcotics, promising a revamped strategy for port surveillance in the coming weeks.