Ghanaian businessman Samson Asaki Awingobit has urged President John Dramani Mahama to resource and empower the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to effectively fight drug trafficking in the country. According to him, Ghana's narcotics control system lags behind international best practices, particularly in the use of sniffer dogs for detecting illicit substances. He made the call during a panel discussion on Prime Morning on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Mr. Awingobit cited the recent €225 million cocaine bust linked to Ghana and intercepted in France as a wake-up call for the state to prioritise border security. The bust involved 3.9 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a container declared as plastic waste and shipped from Ghana to Dunkirk, France. He described this incident as a clear indication that Ghana's current anti-drug measures are inadequate.
The businessman noted that Ghana's entry points lack basic detection tools, making it easier for drug traffickers to use the country as a transit point. He recounted his personal experience at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, where security dogs are deployed to sniff passengers' luggage for illegal substances. In contrast, Ghana's airports do not have such security measures in place.
Mr. Awingobit stressed that NACOC and other security agencies at the ports, airports and borders need sniffer dogs, scanners, and advanced surveillance equipment to intercept drugs before they leave or enter the country. He argued that empowering the anti-drug agencies is not only about protecting Ghana's international reputation but also about safeguarding the youth from drug abuse and its associated social consequences.
The businessman called for inter-agency collaboration between NACOC, the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Customs and National Security to ensure a coordinated approach to fighting narcotics. He believes that this collaboration will help to effectively combat drug trafficking and other related crimes in the country.
Mr. Awingobit's call for action comes as Ghana faces increasing scrutiny over its role in the global drug trade. The country's strategic location makes it an attractive transit point for drug traffickers. Therefore, it is essential that Ghana's anti-drug agencies are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to combat this menace effectively.
The issue of drug trafficking in Ghana requires a multi-faceted approach that involves not only law enforcement but also education and community engagement. By empowering NACOC and other security agencies, the government can take a significant step towards addressing the problem of drug trafficking and protecting the country's youth from the dangers of drug abuse.
Key points
- The lack of modern detection equipment and logistics hinders Ghana's anti-drug agencies' ability to effectively combat drug trafficking.
- Empowering NACOC and other security agencies is crucial to protecting Ghana's international reputation and safeguarding the youth from drug abuse.
- Inter-agency collaboration is essential to ensuring a coordinated approach to fighting narcotics in Ghana.
