The presentation of Ghana’s 2027 Budget took an unexpected political turn on Thursday, November 12, 2026, when Minority Members of Parliament staged a protest, chanting “Cocaine!” and “Cocaine economy!” over concerns about drug trafficking and recent cocaine seizures linked to the country.
The demonstration began shortly after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson concluded his presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament.
Minority MPs rose from their seats, chanting slogans and displaying placards accusing the government of failing to adequately address drug trafficking and protect Ghana’s borders.
Some of the placards carried messages describing the administration as a “scam government”, while others questioned the government’s response to recent cocaine interceptions.
Among the inscriptions displayed were “Paper economy vs Pocket economy” and “Frakadam Aban”.
One placard also posed a direct question to the Finance Minister: “Ato, how much has Ghana made from cocaine?”
The message appeared to question whether Ghana had gained any financial benefit from the recent drug seizures involving shipments linked to the country.
The protest was intended to draw attention to the issue of drug trafficking, with the Minority using the high-profile parliamentary occasion to express its concerns about the government’s handling of the matter.
Spanish cocaine seizure fuels political debate
The demonstration comes amid heightened political debate following the seizure of 2.6 tonnes of cocaine by Spanish authorities at the Port of Valencia.
The interception has attracted attention in Ghana because the shipment was linked to the country, prompting questions about drug trafficking networks and efforts to prevent illicit substances from passing through Ghanaian ports.
The Minority’s protest added a political dimension to the Budget presentation, which had largely focused on the government’s economic priorities, planned expenditure and development programmes for 2027.
The chants and placards ensured that concerns over cocaine trafficking became a prominent feature of the parliamentary proceedings after the Finance Minister’s address.
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