Ghana Opposition-Linked Group Seeks Cocaine Probe, Alleges Political Harassment

The Patriotic Action Forum (PAF), a civil society organization with ties to Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has demanded an independent inquiry into recent cocaine smuggling allegations at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport while condemning what it calls politically motivated harassment of Minority Parliament member Rev. Ntim Fordjour.

In a press release dated April 13, 2025, signed by conveners including David Prah, the group accused President John Dramani Mahama’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of deploying state security agencies to “intimidate” Fordjour and suppress scrutiny of the drug-related claims. The PAF described an attempted arrest of Fordjour at his Accra residence as part of a broader effort to silence dissent, though specifics of the incident were not detailed.

“The Mahama-led NDC government is using security agencies to intimidate Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour and the Minority to bury the truth,” the statement read. The allegations center on an undisclosed cocaine-related incident at the airport, referred to by the group as the “cocaine Airmed saga.” Authorities have not yet publicly addressed the claims or the PAF’s accusations.

The PAF urged the establishment of a bipartisan commission to investigate the matter, echoing calls from Minority lawmakers and some civil society groups. It also cautioned the ruling party about the “transient” nature of political power, warning that “the influence they enjoy today will elude them in 2028.” The group further advocated for restraint in handling whistleblowers, stating, “The government must exercise circumspection in dealing with those raising national concerns.”

Ghana has faced recurring drug trafficking scandals at Kotoka International Airport, a key transit hub, with high-profile cases involving airport staff and law enforcement officials over the past decade. The PAF’s statement reaffirmed its support for Fordjour and the Minority’s efforts to combat narcotics trade, pledging to “stand with them in making Ghana a drug-free state.”

Political tensions between the NDC and NPP have long influenced Ghana’s governance, with both parties frequently trading accusations of corruption and abuse of power. The NDC, under Mahama, regained office in 2024 after a contentious election, exacerbating existing rivalries. Analysts note that drug-related allegations often emerge as flashpoints in these disputes, reflecting broader struggles over accountability and institutional trust.

While the government has yet to respond to the PAF’s claims, the group’s demands highlight deepening fissures in Ghana’s political landscape. Civil society organizations have increasingly played pivotal roles in scrutinizing public accountability, though their perceived partisan affiliations sometimes draw criticism. The call for an independent probe aligns with Ghana’s history of using commissions to address high-stakes scandals, though their outcomes rarely ease partisan tensions.

As pressure mounts for transparency, the government’s response—or lack thereof—could shape public perception ahead of local elections later this year. For now, the cocaine allegations and Fordjour’s disputed treatment remain focal points in Ghana’s ongoing debate over governance, accountability, and the intersection of security and political rivalry.