High Level Dialogue on Mapping the Future of Drugs Market in West Africa

A High-Level Dialogue on “Mapping the Future of Drug Markets in West Africa: Synthetics, Cocaine, Criminal Money and Strategic Responses” was held in Accra from 27th to 28th November, 2025. The event was sponsored by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the participation of the Minister for Justice and Security of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the Minister for the Interior of Ghana, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak. Attached, herewith, is a copy of the Accra Call to Action on Drug Markets in West Africa, adopted on 28th November, 2025.

The Call to Action reflects the collective concern of Ministers and representatives regarding the alarming and escalating challenges posed by illicit drug markets in West Africa, particularly the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs and cocaine trafficking, and their far-reaching health, social, security, human rights and governance implications. These challenges include serious harm to public health, especially among youth, the erosion of public institutions, the expansion of illicit financial flows, and the entrenchment of transnational organised criminal networks.

Participants recognized the rapid proliferation of potent synthetic drugs, including new psychoactive substances, as well as the increase in cocaine trafficking into and through West Africa, generating significant criminal revenues and posing serious threats to regional peace and security. Emphasis was placed on the transnational nature of these challenges, affecting not only West Africa but also other regions, including Africa as a whole, Europe and beyond. They highlighted that these challenges require coordinated, evidence-based responses, consistent with relevant UNODC mandates, the African Union Drug Control and Crime Prevention Strategy, and ECOWAS regional drug control and security frameworks.

The Call to Action highlights the importance of science-based evidence, open and inclusive research environments, and multi-sectoral cooperation among governments, regional and international organisations, civil society, academia, service providers and affected communities. It further underscores the fundamental role of international criminal cooperation, including mutual legal assistance, in ensuring accountability for transnational organised crime.

In this context, participating States undertook to strengthen cooperation to:

• Reduce drug-related harms and protect communities, particularly youth and marginalized groups
• Promote evidence-based prevention, treatment and reintegration approaches grounded in public health and human rights
• Enhance information-sharing, early warning systems and the exchange of best practices
• Disrupt transnational illicit drug markets through responses anchored in the rule of law, and
• Support regional and international mechanisms addressing drug market challenges.