Ghana ranked 5th source of cocaine seized at Antwerp, Belgium in 2025

In 2025, Ghana ranked fifth among countries of origin for cocaine seized at the Antwerp port in Belgium, according to customs figures. Ghana was the sole African country among the top five, which included Ecuador, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Colombia. Belgian customs seized nearly 55 tonnes of cocaine at Antwerp, a 24% increase from 2024.

This ranking reflects a series of large seizures at Antwerp on cargo from Ghana's port of Tema. Dutch and Australian authorities have also seized significant amounts of cocaine concealed in shipments from Ghana. In response to these seizures, Ghana's President convened a meeting of security chiefs to review the country's systems for detecting narcotics and submit a roadmap for preventing drugs from moving through the country's ports and borders.

Ten people, including customs officers, have been arrested and charged in connection with the seizures, facing charges such as conspiracy and exporting narcotics without a license. The issue was brought to Parliament, but the debate was deemed inadmissible due to ongoing criminal proceedings. The Minority in Parliament insists the committee should examine the issues, not the guilt of the accused.