Minority calls for the immediate suspension of Ghana-Colombia maritime agreement

The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has urged for the immediate suspension of Ghana’s maritime and port cooperation agreements with Colombia, citing growing concerns over drug smuggling. In a statement signed by the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minority expressed alarm over recent high-profile cocaine seizures believed to be linked to Ghana.

The Caucus argued these issues represent an urgent national security issue, particularly after Ghana inked bilateral agreements with Colombia, including a visa waiver deal and a maritime trade deal connecting the Port of Tema to Cartagena. The group pointed to the UNODC’s 2026 World Drug Report, which highlighted Colombia as the world’s top departure point for cocaine, with most shipments traveling by sea.

They also cited a September 2026 report by Belgian authorities ranking Ghana fifth among countries of origin for cocaine seized at Antwerp, a major European entry point. The Minority deemed the bilateral ties with Colombia a national security concern, demanding a thorough security review before any further cooperation. They urged the government to halt the implementation of the visa waiver and maritime agreements, warning that these arrangements risk compromising Ghana’s ports and its international reputation.

The Minority emphasized that Ghana’s ports must remain safe channels for legitimate trade, not shortcuts for criminal networks. They vowed to hold the government accountable and safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty.