Security Analyst Emmanuel Kutin addressed the Minority in Parliament on Saturday, urging members to refrain from describing Ghana as a “cocaine economy”. He warned that such terminology could tarnish the country’s international standing and expose ordinary Ghanaians to heightened scrutiny when they travel abroad.
Mr Kutin’s remarks followed the Minority’s use of the label after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on Thursday, November 12. He said the economy should not be portrayed as being driven by illicit drug proceeds, noting that private cartels and individuals should not be seen as the backbone of national growth.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, he questioned, “For Christ’s sake, how does a cocaine business that private cartels or individuals are benefiting from benefit the economy?” He added that labeling the economy this way could lead to increased security checks and surveillance for Ghanaians abroad, a situation he said the country should avoid.
Mr Kutin appealed for patriotism, urging politicians to put national interest above partisan gains. He warned that exploiting cocaine seizures for political advantage could undermine Ghana’s image and erode confidence in the country. While acknowledging the seriousness of the drug menace, he urged leaders to choose language that does not unfairly damage Ghana’s reputation.
The comments come amid renewed concerns over Ghana’s links to international drug trafficking, highlighted by recent overseas seizures, including 2.6 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a coconut shipment seized by Spanish authorities in August and announced in November.
What to watch: Parliament continues to debate the budget and the country’s approach to drug trafficking, with potential implications for policy and international perception.
