Wherever there is money laundering, it is linked to terrorism – Ntim Fordjour warns over drug crisis

Rev Ntim Fordjour, a Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has cautioned that Ghana's escalating drug trade crisis may expose the nation to significant security risks. In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, the Assin South MP highlighted the correlation between drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism.

Fordjour emphasized that the presence of drugs invariably leads to money laundering, which in turn is tied to terrorist activities. He warned that Ghana is entering a precarious position as major drug shipments with values exceeding one billion dollars are increasingly linked to the country. "Whenever you find drug trafficking, methamphetamine, and cocaine in a billion-dollar bracket, you are now entering a state of vulnerability, where these non-state elements, these terrorists, that’s what they feed on," he cautioned.

His remarks come as Ghana faces mounting scrutiny over major drug seizures. French customs recently apprehended 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk, concealed within a container of plastic waste, with an estimated value of over US$260 million. This followed other substantial drug hauls, including a US$350 million cocaine shipment intercepted at Pedu Junction in March 2025, contributing to an estimated US$1 billion in high-profile drug seizures linked to Ghana in less than two years.

Fordjour has petitioned the Speaker to convene a parliamentary emergency inquiry under Article 112(3), which mandates a recall if more than 15% of MPs support the move. The Minority has already submitted signatures and a memorandum to the Speaker, who has acknowledged receipt.

Fordjour also criticized the government's handling of the crisis, noting that no agency heads have been dismissed despite the severity of the issue. He called for stronger leadership, urging President Mahama to return and take decisive action to address the cartel's influence. Fordjour urged MPs to prioritize national interests over partisan politics when Parliament reconvenes.

He stressed the need for a comprehensive, bipartisan inquiry to uncover the networks behind the seizures and to implement effective solutions. The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has echoed these concerns, urging a coordinated national response to the narcotics threat, including further investigations into the networks behind the major seizures.

Fordjour emphasized that the scale of the drug issue necessitates a proactive approach to confront its broader security implications before the situation deteriorates further.