Stop turning investigation into punishment – OccupyGhana tells EOCO, BNI

October 1, 2026

• Ghana-linked cocaine seizures totaled approximately 16 tonnes, valued between $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion, from March 2025 to September 2026.
• A significant majority (over 12 tonnes) of this cocaine was seized abroad, mainly in Europe, highlighting Ghana's role as an origin or transit point.
• Ghana ranked fifth among countries of origin for cocaine seized at Belgium's port of Antwerp in 2025, the only non-South American country in the top five.
• Ghanaian authorities acknowledge a growing drug threat, including rising local consumption and increased use of maritime routes, with drug-related arrests surging by 197% in 2025.
• President Mahama has responded by directing an inter-agency task force to develop a roadmap, restoring NACOC to joint container inspections, and pledging resources to enhance anti-narcotics efforts.

October 1, 2026

• Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has reported himself to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following a High Court arrest warrant.
• The warrant was issued after EOCO informed the court that it had exhausted all means to secure the MP's voluntary attendance for questioning.
• The MP was accompanied by his counsel, Samuel Atta Kyea, and other Members of Parliament, including Kofi Amankwah Manu and Obiri Yeboah.
• Deputy Attorney General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, disclosed that Baffour Awuah is being investigated for alleged financial loss, dissipation of public funds, and money laundering.
• These allegations stem from suspected unauthorized financial transactions at SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Ltd.

October 1, 2026

• S&P Global considers Ghana's banking sector's Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio of 16.1% by June 2026 excessively high.
• This elevated NPL ratio is linked to the 2022 domestic debt exchange, government arrears, and macroeconomic pressures like exchange rate depreciation and inflation.
• Credit risk in Ghana's banking system remains high due to past macroeconomic instability, government default, and the recent debt restructuring.
• Five local banks, including one state-owned, are still undercapitalized following the 2022 debt restructuring, contradicting the Bank of Ghana's assertion that all banks have met new capital requirements.
• S&P anticipates inflationary pressures to be contained compared to Ghana's historical norm, with improving monetary policy credibility, but expects average inflation to remain at the upper end of the Bank of Ghana's 6-10% target until 2029.