The Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism, Emmanuel Kotin, has called for a deeper investigation into the owners of large drug consignments. On September 19, 2026, he appeared on GTV's 'Current Agenda' and emphasized that investigations should go beyond arresting couriers and handlers. Mr. Kotin highlighted the need to identify individuals and networks financing and controlling these large quantities of narcotics. This call comes after recent significant drug interceptions in Ghana and abroad.
Mr. Kotin cited the recent interception of a large cocaine consignment in France allegedly linked to Ghana. He also referenced previous discoveries of narcotics concealed in containers within the country. These cases, according to him, raise questions about how such large quantities of narcotics are sourced, stored, transported, and moved through Ghana. The Executive Director insisted that investigators must identify the people behind these operations to effectively combat the issue.
Despite the scale of recent drug interceptions, Mr. Kotin emphasized that Ghana is not in a crisis situation. Instead, he expressed satisfaction that security agencies are successfully busting these cartels. According to him, the increasing number of discoveries could be partly due to intensified surveillance and improved efforts by security agencies. This suggests that Ghana has allegedly been identified as a transit point in the international drug trade.
The focus, Mr. Kotin suggested, should also be on understanding the pattern of the trade and how the country is being used by international drug trafficking networks. He referred to previous cases where large quantities of narcotics were discovered, leading to investigations and arrests. However, he questioned whether these investigations sufficiently establish who owns the drugs, highlighting a gap in the current investigative approach.
Mr. Kotin argued that consignments of such magnitude could not be moved without significant resources, facilities, and coordination. The weight of some cocaine shipments alone should prompt investigators to look beyond the immediate individuals found transporting them. He urged security agencies to pursue the identities of individuals operating behind the scenes, as these large-scale operations likely involve a wider network.
Mr. Kotin also rejected attempts to turn drug investigations into a partisan political contest. He stressed that security issues should be handled based on facts and national interest rather than propaganda. Analysts, according to him, should use available records to develop solutions. His comments come amid calls from the New Patriotic Party for Parliament to be recalled to consider recent drug trafficking developments.
The issue has sparked significant debate, with Mr. Kotin questioning whether recalling Parliament at an additional cost to taxpayers is the appropriate response. He emphasized the need for a fact-based approach to addressing the situation. The goal, according to Mr. Kotin, should be to develop effective solutions based on available data and records, rather than engaging in political propaganda.
Key points
- Emmanuel Kotin calls for deeper investigations into the owners of large drug consignments.
- Recent significant drug interceptions have been reported in Ghana and abroad.
- Mr. Kotin rejects turning drug investigations into a partisan political contest.
