Ghana cannot rely on its own watch to probe drug exports - Jinapor

Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abdulai Jinapor has challenged the government’s capacity to independently investigate major drug consignments allegedly moving through Ghana.

The immediate trigger is the detection of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France last September, a shipment traced back to Ghana. French customs uncovered the haul in a container that originated from the country, reigniting concerns over weak port controls.

Jinapor, who now serves as Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that relying on agencies operating under the same administration creates a conflict of interest. He pointed to statements by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak about possible insider connections as further proof that self-investigation is inadequate.

While the Minority in Parliament had proposed a bipartisan inquiry into narcotics enforcement gaps, the Majority dismissed it, insisting existing institutions could handle oversight.

For ordinary Ghanaians, the issue strikes at the heart of Ghana’s international reputation. A pattern of undetected drug exports risks sanctions, reputational damage, and loss of confidence from global partners.

Jinapor stressed that parliamentary mechanisms must be used to compel transparency, warning that efforts to dodge accountability could amount to a cover-up.

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