Ghana Navy Seizes 4.8 Tonnes of Marijuana Worth Over $1 Million

The Ghana Navy has successfully intercepted a large consignment of suspected marijuana on the Volta Lake estuary at Ada in the Greater Accra Region. In an intelligence-led operation conducted on November 5, 2026, the Riverine Command of the Ghana Navy discovered two large wooden boats carrying 117 sacks of substances suspected to be marijuana. The estimated street value of the consignment is over $1 million, and it was allegedly being transported to Nigeria.

The operation, which took place at about 1 a.m., prevented the suspected consignment from being transported outside the country via the sea. The boats were found concealed along the banks of the river near the estuary, and the suspects abandoned them when they saw Navy personnel approaching. The boats were subsequently moved to Ada Foah, where they were searched at about 5 a.m. in the presence of officials of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).

The search revealed 117 sacks containing approximately 80 packs of suspected marijuana each, bringing the estimated total weight of the consignment to 4.8 tons. The substances have been handed over to NACOC to conduct the necessary laboratory examination. Naval Captain Festus Osei-Brobbey, Director of Naval Operations at the Naval Headquarters, described the seizure as potentially the biggest marijuana interception by the Navy in recent times.

This seizure is significant in the context of the Navy's efforts to combat illicit activities within Ghana's maritime domain. According to Naval Captain Osei-Brobbey, the operation formed part of the Navy's commitment to supporting President John Dramani Mahama's zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking. The Navy's efforts also aim to strengthen border security, improve inter-agency cooperation, and prevent Ghana from being used as a transit point for illicit substances.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ada East, Kenneth Kofi Kabu Kanor, expressed concern about the growing challenge of drug abuse and its impact on families and communities. He emphasized the importance of strengthening surveillance and preventing the waterways from being exploited for illegal activities, given Ada's geographical location with its river and sea connections.

Mr. Kanor called for stronger collaboration between the district assembly, security agencies, and the central government to tackle drug trafficking and other illegal activities. He stressed the need to protect the area's waterways and promote responsible use of its natural resources, saying the fight against illicit trade required collective commitment.

The Ghana Navy has warned financiers, sponsors, organizers, and other individuals involved in drug trafficking that they will intensify surveillance and monitoring operations to identify, track, and disrupt criminal networks operating within the country's maritime corridors. The Navy will continue to work with other security agencies and stakeholders to protect Ghana's territorial waters against drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

Key points

• The Ghana Navy seized 4.8 tonnes of suspected marijuana with a street value of over $1 million at Ada, foiling an attempt to transport it to Nigeria.
• The operation was part of the Navy's efforts to combat illicit activities within Ghana's maritime domain and support President John Dramani Mahama's zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking.
• The seizure is one of the largest marijuana interceptions by the Navy in recent times, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among security agencies and stakeholders.