Ghana and the Netherlands have signed a special Letter of Intent to strengthen the fight against illicit drugs and drug markets.

The agreement was signed on Sunday August 17, 2026, by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the Netherlands’ Minister of Justice and Security, D.M. Van Weel, during his official visit to Ghana.

They said the agreement builds on the Accra Call to Action and want to provide global leadership in the fight against the illegal drug trade.

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“We hope to offer global leadership on this crucial matter,” Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Ablakwa stated that illicit drugs are destroying young lives and undermining public health in both countries.

The minister also said the drug trade is damaging the rule of law and having a serious impact on human rights.

“We are confident that genuine and reliable international collaboration will eliminate drug markets,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the Dutch minister for his visit and described him as a good friend of Ghana.

The two countries are expected to strengthen cooperation against cocaine, synthetic drugs and criminal money.

ANAS/SA

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