Source: odomankomaonline.com
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has warned that Ghana is at risk of losing a generation of young people to drug abuse, if urgent steps are not taken to tackle narcotics trafficking and its devastating effects on communities. The warning comes as Ghana continues to be linked to several major international drug seizures, including the recent interception of about 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk in France.
According to reports, the cocaine was hidden in a container carrying plastic waste that was shipped from Ghana.Speaking at a press briefing in Accra ahead of Parliament's resumption on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Mr Afenyo-Markin said drug trafficking is no longer just a security issue, but a direct threat to public health, family stability and national development.
Drug Menace Destroying Families and Youth
According to the Effutu MP, the widespread availability of illicit drugs is destroying the future of Ghanaian youth and putting immense pressure on the country's health and social systems.“The proliferation of illicit drugs threatens the health and the future of our young people. It destroys families, undermines productivity, and places an increasing burden on our healthcare and social welfare systems. We risk losing a generation of young people whose potential should be contributing to the development of our country,” he stated. Mr Afenyo-Markin noted that while the international seizures affect Ghana’s reputation abroad, the bigger danger is when narcotics find their way into local communities, schools and ghettos.“Beyond the implications for national security and our international reputation, we must also confront the devastating consequences of narcotics finding their way into our communities,” he added.
Call for Accountability and Parliamentary Probe
The Minority Leader stressed that the fight against drug trafficking must be a national concern and not left to security agencies alone. He called for accountability from institutions mandated to protect the public.“This is why the fight against narcotic drug trafficking must concern every Ghanaian and why the institutions entrusted with protecting our society must be held accountable,” he said.
He justified the Minority’s push for a parliamentary inquiry, saying Parliament has a constitutional duty to examine institutional failures that may have allowed Ghana to become a transit point for hard drugs.“It is against this background that we the Minority consider parliamentary scrutiny of these institutional and regulatory matters both necessary and consistent with Parliament's constitutional oversight responsibility,” Afenyo-Markin explained.According to him, the proposed inquiry is not intended to interfere with ongoing criminal prosecutions, but to review the performance of state institutions and identify weaknesses in Ghana’s drug enforcement architecture.
Meanwhile, the Minority has filed a motion seeking a review of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling which declared inadmissible its initial request for a parliamentary probe into drug trafficking through Ghana. The motion is expected to be debated when Parliament resumes.Odomankomaonline.com will follow proceedings in Parliament and bring you updates.
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