NPP’s Nana Boakye accuses Mahama of weak leadership over drug trafficking cases

National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has accused President John Dramani Mahama of weak leadership in his handling of recent drug trafficking cases involving Ghana.

He is calling for the dismissal of officials he believes should be held responsible for alleged failures within the country’s drug interdiction and security system.

Speaking at an NPP press conference on drug trafficking, Nana Boakye criticised President Mahama for convening a meeting at the Jubilee House and directing security agencies to strengthen their operations.

According to him, the situation requires stronger action, including removing officials responsible for the alleged lapses.

“They have relaxed on their duties. They must be sacked. Yet the president calls for a meeting. Nothing happens. We voted for leadership, not weak leadership,” he said.

Nana Boakye said about nine officials should have been removed from office, arguing that the cases involved reported arrests, seizures and international interceptions rather than mere allegations.

“What His Excellency the president is exhibiting is weak leadership,” he added.

He also accused the government of failing to take decisive action to address what he described as growing concerns over illicit drug trafficking.

Nana Boakye cited several drug-related incidents, including the reported interception of a tipper truck at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast on March 4, 2025, allegedly carrying more than 3.3 tonnes of cocaine concealed under sand while travelling from the Western Region towards Accra.

He estimated the street value of the consignment at about $350 million.

He further cited the reported interception of another truck on the Takoradi-Cape Coast highway in March 2025, which he said was carrying about 120 slabs of cocaine valued at approximately $150 million.

According to him, the two incidents accounted for about 4.5 tonnes of cocaine intercepted during the period.

Nana Boakye described the cases as a major concern for Ghana’s security and international reputation.

He also raised concerns over two aircraft that landed at Kotoka International Airport in March 2025, referring to allegations previously raised by the NPP Minority in Parliament regarding Air Med Flight N823AM and a Cavok Air Antonov 12B.

The Minority, led by Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, had called for investigations into the contents of the aircraft.

The government, however, disputed the allegations, saying the aircraft had legitimate reasons for being in Ghana and that security checks found no illegal items on board.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) also stated that security checks conducted on the aircraft did not detect illicit substances.

Nana Boakye nevertheless accused the government of attempting to silence the Minority after the allegations were raised. His claim regarding an attempted arrest of Rev. Ntim Fordjour remains disputed and should be treated as an allegation.

President Mahama had previously directed relevant investigative and security agencies, including NACOC, the Police Criminal Investigations Department, the National Investigations Bureau and the National Security Coordinator, to work with Rev. Ntim Fordjour on investigations into the aircraft allegations.

Nana Boakye is now demanding accountability from officials within the security and drug-interdiction chain over what he describes as failures in the performance of their duties.

By Esther Padmore Amonoo