Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism, Emmanuel Kotin, has expressed concerns over the dangers posed by drug trafficking in Ghana. Invoking a biblical passage from John 10:10, he stressed that the fight against narcotics should not only focus on arresting individuals, but also on identifying and disrupting the networks behind the trade. This warning comes in the wake of recent major drug consignments discovered in the country.
Mr. Kotin made these remarks on GTV's 'Current Agenda' Programme on September 19, 2026. He emphasized that investigators must go beyond arresting individuals found transporting or handling drugs to establish who owns the consignments, who finances the operations, and the networks responsible for moving the drugs. This approach, he believes, is crucial in effectively combating the drug trade.
The scale of some of the consignments has raised questions about how such quantities could be transported without the involvement of well-resourced networks. Mr. Kotin noted that Ghana is regarded as a transit point in the international drug trade. The increasing number of seizures could also reflect intensified surveillance and enforcement by security agencies, he added.
Citing recent international and domestic cases, Mr. Kotin highlighted a large cocaine consignment allegedly linked to Ghana and intercepted in France. He also referenced previous seizures involving vehicles and containers. These cases, he believes, demonstrate the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling the drug trade.
Mr. Kotin's response emphasizes disrupting the structures behind the trade rather than concentrating only on couriers and other immediate handlers. He also maintained that Ghana should not necessarily be described as being in a crisis because of the seizures. Instead, he expressed satisfaction that security agencies are actively busting these cartels.
Mr. Kotin appealed to the New Patriotic Party to explain its position on a 2018 directive relating to narcotics enforcement. He cautioned against turning security matters into partisan political exchanges, urging stakeholders to concentrate on evidence, accountability, and practical measures to protect lives and dismantle drug-trafficking networks.
The issue of drug trafficking in Ghana remains a pressing concern, with the country's security agencies working to intensify their efforts to combat the trade. As the nation continues to grapple with this challenge, experts like Mr. Kotin are calling for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to address the root causes of the problem.
Key points
- Emmanuel Kotin warns of the dangers posed by drug trafficking in Ghana, citing a biblical passage.
- The fight against narcotics should focus on disrupting the networks behind the trade, not just arresting individuals.
- Ghana should not be described as being in a crisis due to the seizures, but rather be commended for its security agencies' efforts.
