Drug seizures could damage Ghana’s trade reputation – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised concerns that repeated international narcotics seizures involving consignments linked to Ghana could undermine the country’s reputation in global trade and lead to increased scrutiny of Ghanaian exports, shipping operations and international travellers.

He warned that the growing incidents could affect confidence in Ghana’s export control systems, with legitimate businesses and travellers potentially facing the consequences of activities linked to drug trafficking.

Speaking at a Leaders’ Media Briefing on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, ahead of Parliament’s resumption, Mr Afenyo-Markin explained that consignments originating from or linked to Ghana and intercepted abroad could cause international authorities to pay closer attention to cargo and supply chains connected to the country.

He noted that such developments could result in more frequent cargo inspections, additional paperwork, shipment delays and increased compliance costs for exporters and shipping companies.

“Each major seizure we submit, which is linked to our country, risks weakening the confidence in the integrity of our export controls,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin further cautioned that businesses involved in legitimate exports could lose customers if their goods are delayed because of additional security checks.

Shipping companies, he added, could also experience operational disruptions when containers are subjected to more detailed inspections.

“Additional inspections can mean delays, misconnections, storage charges, disrupted deliveries, and increased compliance costs. A legitimate exporter can lose a customer because a shipment arrives late,” he said.

Beyond the impact on businesses, the Minority Leader also expressed concern about the possible effect on Ghanaians travelling internationally.

He warned that passengers departing from Ghana could face more detailed questioning and stricter baggage checks if international authorities become increasingly concerned about drug trafficking through the country’s departure routes.

However, Mr Afenyo-Markin clarified that the concerns he raised were potential consequences of repeated narcotics seizures and should not be interpreted to mean that blanket restrictions have already been placed on Ghanaian exports or international travellers.

His comments highlight concerns about the wider economic and reputational implications of narcotics trafficking, particularly the possibility that legitimate Ghanaian businesses and travellers could face additional challenges as a result.

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