The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Germany branch has called for an independent parliamentary investigation into the growing number of international cocaine seizures linked to Ghana, accusing the Mahama-led government of failing to adequately protect the country's borders against international drug trafficking networks.

In a statement, the NPP Germany expressed concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of cocaine trafficking incidents since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office in January 2025, arguing that the developments have damaged Ghana's international reputation and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of its security institutions.

The group cited a JoyNews Research investigation published on October 1, 2026, which reportedly identified 11 cocaine-related seizures between March 2025 and September 2026, involving approximately 16 tonnes of cocaine linked to Ghana.

According to the investigation, four major interceptions abroad accounted for approximately 12.4 tonnes, while reported seizures on Ghanaian soil amounted to about 3.6 tonnes. The estimated street value of the seized drugs was between US$1.3 billion and US$1.7 billion.

NPP Germany argues that the scale and frequency of the interceptions point to serious vulnerabilities in Ghana's border security, cargo inspection and intelligence systems, questioning how such substantial quantities of cocaine could leave the country without detection.

The group recalled several incidents, including the March 2025 seizure of approximately 3,319.68 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed beneath sand in a tipper truck at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast.

This was followed by the reported interception of another consignment of approximately 120 slabs along the Takoradi–Cape Coast Highway.

In April 2025, 89.74 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in 73 slabs and allegedly destined for the Netherlands were intercepted at Kotoka International Airport.

The situation attracted further international attention in June 2025 when Dutch authorities seized nearly 4.5 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a timber shipment originating from Ghana.

In November 2025, Belgian authorities intercepted 2,829 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in a cassava flour shipment from Tema, followed by another reported seizure of 1,158 kilogrammes in December.

The incidents reportedly continued in 2026, with cocaine discovered concealed in packaged gari at Kotoka International Airport in February.

In August, 866 parcels of suspected cocaine hidden in gari sacks were intercepted within the Tema Harbour enclave as they were being prepared for export.

Another major interception occurred in September when French authorities seized approximately 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at €225 million, concealed in a container declared as plastic waste that had departed from Ghana. Four persons were subsequently remanded by an Accra High Court over their alleged involvement in the exportation.

The latest incident cited by NPP Germany occurred on October 31, 2026, when Lebanese authorities reportedly arrested a Syrian national at Beirut Airport after he arrived from Accra carrying approximately 40 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine concealed in his luggage.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) subsequently announced that it was pursuing suspected accomplices in Ghana.

Against this backdrop, NPP Germany has questioned the effectiveness of NACOC and other national security institutions in preventing drug trafficking networks from exploiting Ghana's airports, seaports and other exit points.

The group insists that the Commission's performance should not be measured solely by arrests and public announcements following foreign interceptions but also by its ability to prevent trafficking, dismantle criminal networks and prosecute the financiers and masterminds behind the illicit trade.

It has therefore challenged the government to explain why repeated interceptions of large cocaine consignments abroad have not resulted in a comprehensive overhaul of the country's security and cargo inspection systems.

NPP Germany also acknowledged the government's announcement of additional enforcement measures, including President John Dramani Mahama's September 2026 directive for an inter-agency task force and the restoration of NACOC's participation in joint container inspections at the ports.

However, the group questioned why such measures required renewed attention only after repeated international interceptions involving substantial quantities of cocaine.

As part of its demands, NPP Germany is calling for an independent parliamentary inquiry into all major cocaine seizures linked to Ghana.

It is also demanding transparent investigations into the alleged involvement of public officials and security personnel, improved cargo scanning and intelligence systems at the country's ports and airports, and the identification and prosecution of financiers, facilitators and principal traffickers, regardless of their political or social connections.

The group further insists that the government must strengthen NACOC's operational capacity and ensure that the Commission has the necessary resources and institutional independence to combat organised drug trafficking.

Beyond the security implications, NPP Germany has warned that the recurring cocaine interceptions could undermine Ghana's international reputation, diplomatic relations, trade partnerships and investment prospects.

It cautioned that airlines, shipping companies, foreign investors and international trading partners could subject cargo originating from Ghana to increased scrutiny, potentially affecting the country's commercial relationships.

The group also expressed concern about the potential impact of drug trafficking networks on young people, public institutions, financial integrity and national security.

NPP Germany has consequently called on President Mahama and his administration to move beyond public announcements of arrests and promises of investigations and demonstrate a stronger commitment to preventing Ghana from being used as a departure point for international cocaine consignments.

The group maintains that protecting Ghana's sovereignty, international reputation and national security requires decisive action against the criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.

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