Ghana, Netherlands Sign Pact to Tackle Rising Drug Trafficking in West Africa
Ghana and the Netherlands have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime, as both countries seek to curb the growing flow of synthetic drugs and cocaine through West Africa.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, and the Netherlands’ Minister for Justice and Security, David van Weel.
The pact commits both countries to spearhead the implementation of the Accra Call to Action, which was adopted during the High Level Conference on Emerging Drug Markets held in Accra in November 2025.
The agreement comes amid growing concerns over the expansion of synthetic drug markets and increased cocaine trafficking across West Africa.
According to the two governments, criminal networks involved in the trade are generating illicit financial flows, weakening state institutions and exposing more young people to dangerous narcotics, with consequences for public health and regional security.
As part of the partnership, Ghana and the Netherlands will expand intelligence sharing, strengthen cross-border cooperation and improve mutual legal assistance to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
The two countries also agreed to promote evidence-based policies that combine law enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, public health, human rights and the rule of law.
Speaking after the signing, Netherlands Minister for Justice and Security David van Weel said his country remains committed to supporting Ghana’s efforts to stop drug trafficking.
“We supported Ghana to install enhanced security scanners at the airport to detect drug trafficking and make Ghana a safe country,” he said.
The Letter of Intent also provides for greater investment in research and early warning systems to improve understanding of emerging drug markets. It encourages closer collaboration with regional organisations, civil society and academic institutions to strengthen responses across West Africa.
Ghana and the Netherlands said regular high-level consultations will be held to review progress and coordinate future actions with regional and international partners.
The agreement builds on the longstanding partnership between Ghana and the Netherlands and reflects a shared commitment to protecting communities, disrupting organised criminal networks and reducing the growing threat posed by illicit drugs across the sub-region.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
