Ghana-Colombia port deal sparks fresh cocaine trafficking security concerns

Parliamentary minority group in Ghana is calling for an immediate suspension of Ghana's maritime shipping and port agreement with Colombia, citing growing national security worries over cocaine trafficking. This demand comes as the opposition scrutinizes Ghana's involvement in global drug smuggling, following several recent narcotics seizures linked to the country.

In a statement, Ranking Member of Parliament for the Foreign Affairs Committee and Damango MP Samuel A. Jinapor emphasized the urgency of addressing security concerns regarding the developing bilateral relationship with Colombia. The agreement is part of a broader partnership between the two nations, which includes a visa-waiver arrangement and a maritime trade deal connecting the Port of Tema to the Port of Cartagena.

The opposition argues that these agreements need closer scrutiny because Colombia is listed as the leading country of origin for cocaine shipments by sea, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's 2026 World Drug Report. Additionally, a recent JoyNews report suggested Ghana ranks fifth as the source country for cocaine seized at the Port of Antwerp.

The minority group contends that Ghana's increasing ties with Colombia, in combination with large-scale cocaine seizures, present a national security issue that cannot be ignored. They argue that the combination of Ghana's growing connections with Colombia and recent major narcotics seizures necessitates a comprehensive national security assessment of the bilateral arrangement before it is allowed to continue.

This demand follows the minority's recent push for Parliament to investigate major narcotics seizures tied to Ghana. In September, the group attempted to recall Parliament over what they described as urgent national security concerns arising from the seizures. Although Parliament was recalled, Speaker Alban Bagbin ruled the Minority's proposed motion for an inquiry inadmissible, citing ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings.

The caucus has maintained pressure for accountability, warning that Ghana's ports must serve legitimate trade purposes rather than facilitating criminal networks. They urge the government to suspend the Ghana-Colombia visa-waiver arrangement and the maritime and port cooperation agreements, and to submit the entire framework to a comprehensive security review before Parliament. The minority group stresses that Ghana's ports must remain legitimate trade gateways, not conduits for international criminal networks.