The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has faced backlash after comparing recent arrests of suspected drug traffickers to drug-related cases recorded under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

The South Dayi MP, in a social media post on September 20, 2026, titled “NPP CANNOT WIN THE COCAINE DEBATE IN GHANA,” cited statistics on various drug-related arrests and seizures made under the previous government and compared them with arrests made under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

In the post, Dafeamekpor listed several cases, including the following, “On 3rd April 2017, a Ghanaian by name Suraka Suala Madugu was arrested at the KIA for swallowing heroin and arriving from Nairobi to Ghana.

“2. Again in 2017, about 10.6kg of heroin was confiscated by Narcotics Control Commission officials at the KIA after the same was imported by a Kenyan into Ghana.

“3. In January 2018, about 56kg of cocaine was seized at Ghana Post. Six Ghanaians were involved.

Drug busts disgracing Ghana before the world - Catholic Bishops Conference to government

“4. On 3rd April 2019, Ghana again seized $1.44 million and €255,000 belonging to a Lebanese national involved in narco-terrorism. A then DAG and a notable political figure cum lawyer settled the matter and released the money to the accused after initially being arraigned before court.”

The MP further quoted a description of Ghana as a transit point for illegal drugs, particularly cocaine from South America and heroin from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“Ghana is a transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly cocaine from South America, as well as heroin from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Although Europe is the main destination, drugs also transit to the United States through Accra’s Kotoka International Airport. Drug trafficking is fueling domestic drug consumption. Local use of cannabis, heroin, and cocaine remains a problem.”

Mr Dafeamekpor concluded by calling for an end to the political debate over the issue and urged Ghanaians to support government efforts to combat drug trafficking.

“So, let’s stop the politics and support Govt efforts to fight the drug menace as a Nation. We were declared a drug trafficking hub under an NPP Govt in 2008.”

Social media backlash

The post quickly attracted attention, with several social media users criticising the MP for comparing drug-related cases under the previous administration with those under the current government.

Some users argued that politicians should focus on addressing the drug problem rather than comparing the records of successive administrations.

One user wrote, “Is it a must to defend every stupid thing? After identifying the winner of the ‘Cocaine Debate’, how does that translate into repairing the damaged reputation of our beloved country? Sometimes put political affiliations aside and be a citizen of Ghana na Modwi mo ho dodo.”

Another user questioned whether the MP's comparison amounted to justifying similar conduct under the current administration.

“Hon, are you by this case justifying and telling the youth of Ghana that since the NPP has some cocaine scandals, it is okay for the NDC to have same…?”

“You want the politics stopped, but you have itemised the ills of the previous government… Are you hearing yourself?”

Another commenter questioned the basis for comparing the two administrations.

“I don’t understand. Are we comparing governments that during their tenure there were more cocaine smuggling?”

“Sometimes I wonder about the mental maturity of some people at the helm of affairs.

“Whether it’s NDC or NPP, the image of the country is at stake and lives are in danger. This shows clearly you are not there for the country but your party and stomach.”

His comment follows recent arrest of drug related offences .

Read some of the comments below:

Is it a must to defend every stupid thing? After identifying the winner of the "Cocaine Debate", how does that translate into repairing the damaged reputation of our beloved country. Sometimes put political affiliations aside and be a citizen of Ghana 🇬🇭 na modwi mo ho dodo

— MadforGod (@denjo790) September 20, 2026

Sometimes I wonder the mental maturity of some people at the helm of affairs. Whether it's NDC or NPP the image of the country is at stake and also lives are in danger. This shows clearly you are not there for the country but your party and stomach

— Jeff (@iampapalawyer) September 20, 2026

You dont even feel shame anylonger. Under npp, these arrests were made in ghana. Under your watch, you couldn't arrest them. These illigal drugs were shipped from ghana to other countries. Shame, shame shame to you and your ndc useless officials

— Emmanuel Sackey (@Emmaackey0) September 21, 2026

My guy are you daft, dumb or plainly stupid? The fact that all these cocaine trade under the NPP govt were seized in Ghana means the Govt was not complicit. But in this new Mahama govt drugs of ridiculous magnitude go through our ports because Mahama is involved in cocaine trade

— King Gorazo (@KingGorazo) September 21, 2026

That’s why we voted them out so if you can’t solve it you will be voted out coming 2028.

— Mohammed Morro (@MorroMoham86321) September 21, 2026

If you genuinely wanted to stop the politics, you wouldn't have spent 90% of your post playing it.
​Again, most of the cases you cited (2017–2024) are examples of Ghanaian security agencies (NACOC, KIA, Ghana Post) intercepting, seizing, and arresting traffickers.

— Jeffery Bafo Ampofo (@JefferyBafo) September 22, 2026

Most of the cases you listed were arrests made in Ghana — proof the system then was working. The real issue now is that tons of drugs slip past our borders and only get busted abroad. That shows failure.

It’s not about whether drugs existed; they always will.

— Albert Okyere (@aokyere_bert700) September 21, 2026

The biggest problem facing this country, is how we politicize everything. Instead of tackling the issue, our Honorable is rather trying to make the previous administration look bad. Cheap politics.

— Dre (@Mr_AmpofoGh) September 22, 2026

Come on idiot you can do better, these drugs were busted by our officials meaning they were not compromised. What is happening now how our government officials facilitating and being detected by foreign entities. Is a shame

— Sam gym (@gyimahlagos) September 21, 2026