Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take responsibility for what he describes as weaknesses in Ghana’s border security system, warning that repeated international cocaine seizures linked to the country are undermining its reputation.

The Effutu MP has urged the government to investigate possible institutional and supervisory failures within the security agencies responsible for protecting Ghana’s borders.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of Parliament’s resumption on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that ongoing criminal investigations should not prevent the government from addressing administrative lapses and holding responsible officials accountable.

He maintained that the President, as head of the government, had a responsibility to ensure effective border protection and explain the performance of institutions mandated to safeguard the country.

“An arrest is not a conviction. Equally, a pending criminal trial does not suspend administrative accountability as explained supra. The government can investigate supervisory failures and take lawful disciplinary action without prejudicing anyone’s guilt.

“Our president has a responsibility for securing Ghana’s borders, and he must answer for its poor performance so far,” he said.

The Minority Leader acknowledged that drug trafficking had occurred under previous administrations but argued that past incidents should not be used to excuse what he considers current security lapses.

“Ghana was not completely free of drug smuggling under previous governments, and we concede. We make no such claim, but the history offers no excuse for present failures.

“The Ghana handed over to this administration came with the duty to protect its institutions, its people, and its international standing,” he added.

Mr Afenyo-Markin cited several international narcotics interceptions involving consignments reportedly connected to Ghana as evidence of the need for stronger border security measures.

Among the incidents he mentioned was the seizure of approximately 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk in France on September 7, 2026.

The consignment, reportedly valued at €225 million, was allegedly concealed in a shipment of plastic waste originating from Ghana.

He also referred to reported narcotics seizures in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Sydney, alongside suspected cocaine interceptions within Ghana, including incidents around Tema Harbour and at Pedu Junction.

According to him, the incidents raise questions about the effectiveness of the country’s port security arrangements, cargo inspection systems, customs controls and intelligence coordination.

“These developments raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of our port security arrangements, cargo inspection procedures, customs controls, intelligence coordination, and the broader institutional framework for combating transnational organised crime,” he said.

He warned that the repeated seizures could have consequences beyond the criminal investigations, potentially affecting Ghana’s national security, international trade credibility and standing in the global fight against drug trafficking.

“The implications extend beyond the individual seizures. They concern the integrity of our national security arrangements, the credibility of our international trade systems, and Ghana’s reputation in the global fight against narcotic trafficking,” he stated.

The Minority is therefore demanding greater accountability from the government and stronger measures to address vulnerabilities within Ghana’s border protection system.