Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering Cases Under NDC Increasing – Minority NPP
Minority New Patriotic Party caucus has raised an alarm about escalating cases of drug trafficking and money laundering under the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). In the NPP's view, the last ten years of NDC reign saw a record high of illicit money flows, compromising the stability of Ghana's economy and national security at large.
NPP Allegations Against the NDC
The NPP Minority argues that the NDC has created a culture that makes it possible for organized crime to flourish, and that there have been more cases of drug trafficking and money laundering. They say that extensive criminal networks are making Ghana a transit country for illegal drugs and that funds from such illegal activities are being invested in real estate, financial institutions, and political campaigns.
One of the key areas of contention has been the recent withdrawal of money laundering and fraud allegations against former COCOBOD CEO, Stephen Opuni, and businessman Seidu Agongo. The NPP believes that this action is an indication of the NDC's leniency towards financial crimes, where corrupt officials escape their actions. The case had implicated Opuni in the approval of the purchase of substandard fertilizers, which led to financial losses to the state. The cases, which were in court for years, were withdrawn by the NDC-controlled Attorney General's office, and the party is left wondering if it was committed to fighting corruption and money laundering (source: YEN.com.gh).
Drug Trafficking Cases in Ghana
Several high-profile drug cases have appeared in recent years, which also prove the point of the NPP. They included the smuggling of 8.5 kilograms of cocaine through the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in 2024. Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) staff were said to be involved. The bid was foiled in Belgium, but what's interesting is the smooth way in which the drugs passed through the country's largest airport (source: The Herald Ghana).
Additionally, historical examples of past cases like the MV Benjamin Cocaine Saga and NPP officials like Eric Amoateng being involved in international narcotics trafficking have been brought up by critics. Nevertheless, the NPP claims that the recent uptick in drug business is more unique under the NDC as a result of insufficient law enforcement efforts and insufficient border control initiatives (source: Modern Ghana).
The Money Laundering Cycle
Money laundering is still rampant in Ghana with criminal groups finding numerous methods to clean their illicitly gained finances. According to security authorities, the monies are simply poured into banks, security companies, properties, as well as to charity for legitimate fronts. The dirty monies of other criminal groups are used with third-party connections or the conversion into bonds and other capital market instruments whereby it can no longer trace where it originated from (source: Ghana News Agency).
The NPP Minority insists that policies of the NDC have been too soft to reverse this rising trend. They contend that the NDC had failed to enact tougher anti-money laundering legislation and that roguish party functionaries are benefiting from such criminal syndicates.
NDC's Response
The NDC has denied these accusations, with the argument that the NPP as a party has a questionable history of corruption and mismanagement of finances. The NPP critics have referred to previous scandals among party functionaries, including allegations that some NPP leaders used illicit funds to finance their elections. They also reference the inability of the government to secure high-profile convictions for drug trafficking and money laundering during its time in power (source: Modern Ghana).
The Way Forward
As Ghana prepares for upcoming elections, the issue of money laundering will remain on the front burner. Experts recommend that the government strengthen anti-money laundering laws, improve border security, and raise transparency in financial transactions in a bid to stop the flow of dirty money.
Both parties will need to address these concerns to restore public confidence in Ghana's financial and security systems. In either the NPP or NDC, drug trafficking and money laundering will need to be more enforcement-driven and bipartisan.
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