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Minority in parliament demands parliamentary probe into Ghana’s alleged role as narcotics transit hub

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The Minority in Parliament has called for an independent parliamentary inquiry into what it describes as Ghana’s growing involvement in major narcotics trafficking cases under the NDC government.

The Minority Caucus, in a statement signed by the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, said Ghana had repeatedly featured in major drug trafficking cases in the past 18 months.

It cited several seizures of suspected narcotics in Ghana and abroad which it claims were linked to the country.

The Minority said on March 4, 2025, the National Intelligence Bureau intercepted a tipper truck at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast carrying more than 3.3 tonnes of cocaine concealed beneath sand.

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It said the consignment was allegedly being transported from Takoradi to Accra and had an estimated street value of more than US$350 million.

According to the Caucus, another consignment of about 120 slabs of cocaine, valued at approximately US$150 million, was also intercepted along the Takoradi-Cape Coast highway.

The Minority further stated that on August 5, 2026, the Tema Regional Police Command seized 866 parcels of suspected cocaine concealed in sacks of gari at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave. It put the estimated value of the seizure at US$6.9 million.

It raised concerns about what it described as two unresolved incidents, involving an aircraft that allegedly arrived at Kotoka International Airport from Gran Canaria with narcotics and undeclared US currency in March 2025, and the MV Sankofa incident in July 2025.

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The Caucus claimed the vessel, which it said was sailing under a forged flag, was released by the Ghana Maritime Authority after paying only part of a fine of almost GH¢12 million and without a full inspection of its cargo.

It added that the vessel was arrested days later in Senegal, where narcotics were allegedly found on board.

The Minority referred to international seizures it said were linked to Ghana.

It stated that Australian customs authorities seized 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine on June 18, 2026, concealed in a charcoal consignment traced to Ghana.

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It further cited a Reuters report that French customs officials on September 10, 2026, seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk. The cocaine was allegedly concealed in a container of plastic waste that had departed Ghana.

The Minority argued that the seizures it listed amounted to more than US$1 billion worth of narcotics linked to Ghana in less than two years.

It expressed concern that while some suspects had been arrested and put before the courts, the alleged financiers and major dealers behind some of the consignments remained unidentified.

The Caucus specifically questioned the progress of investigations into the Pedu Junction cocaine seizure, claiming that more than a year after the incident, prosecutions had mainly involved the driver, a housemaid and other suspects it described as peripheral.

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It therefore demanded a full-scale and independent parliamentary inquiry into the possible involvement, negligence or failure of oversight by agencies responsible for preventing drug trafficking.

The Minority wants the Minister for the Interior, Minister for Transport and heads of the Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Immigration Service and the Bureau of National Investigation to appear before Parliament.

It wants them to account for the status of investigations into the various seizures, explain the circumstances surrounding the release of the MV Sankofa and outline measures being taken to protect Ghana’s ports, airports and territorial waters from international drug cartels.

The Minority said it would continue to push for accountability until the issues surrounding the alleged drug trafficking cases were fully investigated and those found responsible were held accountable.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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GES Interdicts two Aduman SHS teachers over alleged sexual misconduct against male student

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Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted two staff members of Aduman Senior High School over alleged sexual misconduct against a male student.

The teachers are Mr. Isaac Yankey and Mr. Palance Kwakye.

According to GES, Management received reports of the alleged sexual misconduct involving the two staff members against the male student.

Following receipt of the report, the matter was referred to the Police for investigation. The two staff members have since been arrested by the Police in connection with the alleged incident.

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In addition, Management has interdicted the two teachers pending the outcome of the investigations.

The alleged victim has also been provided with psychosocial support to safeguard his well-being.

Management has assured the public that appropriate measures will continue to be taken to ensure that all students learn in a safe environment.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Ministry of Health warns public against fake Mercy Ships fundraising campaign on TV

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The Ministry of Health has cautioned the public against a fraudulent fundraising campaign being aired on Ghanaian televisions, which falsely solicits money to support patients seeking surgical treatment through Mercy Ships.

Mercy Ships International, an international Christian organisation providing free surgical care and education across Africa, currently has its hospital vessel, The Global Mercy, docked at the Tema Port.

The vessel is expected to provide free surgeries to more than 2,500 Ghanaians over a 10-month period ending in June 2027.

The Ministry has clarified that patients scheduled for treatment were identified and pre-screened ahead of the vessel’s arrival through a coordinated process involving Mercy Ships and the Ministry, based on established medical and eligibility criteria.

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According to them, Mercy Ships is currently operating at full capacity and is not accepting additional patients for the ongoing field service.

The Ministry emphasised that payments or registrations through third parties will not guarantee access to treatment.

The fraudulent broadcast, featuring an organisation identified as ‘HELP Save LIFE Foundation,’ solicits financial contributions through an MTN Mobile Money account.

“The Ministry wishes to state categorically that the campaign is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Mercy Ships,” the statement noted.

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They reminded the public that all medical services provided by Mercy Ships are entirely free, and no patient is required to make payments, donations or mobile money transfers to access treatment.

Members of the public have therefore been advised not to make payments, share personal or financial information with individuals claiming to facilitate access to the services, or engage with similar suspicious solicitations.

The ministry encouraged the public to rely solely on official Ministry of Health and Mercy Ships communication channels for accurate information on medical services and patient access.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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