Ghana is facing renewed scrutiny over suspected international drug trafficking following the arrest of a 52-year-old South African national who arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport from Accra with substances suspected to be cocaine. The arrest, which involved an intelligence-led operation by South African law enforcement agencies, resulted in the seizure of suspected narcotics with an estimated local street value of R2 million, equivalent to GH¢1,416,545.18.
The latest incident is the third major drug-related arrest involving persons who reportedly travelled from Ghana to their respective destinations, raising concerns about the possible impact on Ghana's reputation and the scrutiny faced by passengers travelling from the country. This has also renewed calls for the government to take stronger measures to prevent Ghana from being used as a route for international narcotics trafficking.
In June this year, a British actress and an Australian couple were arrested and put before court over allegations that they attempted to smuggle 320kg of methamphetamine from Ghana into Australia. The shipment was estimated to be worth A$296 million ($208 million).
A month later, French customs officers at the port of Dunkirk seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at more than US$260 million, concealed in a container of plastic waste that had departed from Ghana. The incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of Ghana's border and customs controls, with questions being raised about possible insider complicity.
Following the drug seizures in France and Australia, President John Mahama directed an inter-agency task force to develop measures within two weeks to prevent the trafficking of narcotic drugs through Ghana's borders. The task force was expected to come up with measures to address the issue.
The latest arrest took place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during a coordinated operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Border Management Authority (BMA). The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court later this week to face drug trafficking-related charges.
The incidents have led to increased calls for stronger border controls and more effective measures to prevent Ghana from being used as a transit point for international narcotics trafficking. The government has been urged to take decisive action to address the issue and prevent further incidents.
Key points
- The arrest has raised concerns about Ghana's border controls and the possible impact on the country's reputation.
- The incidents have renewed calls for the government to take stronger measures to prevent Ghana from being used as a route for international narcotics trafficking.
- The seizures have raised questions about possible insider complicity in Ghana's border and customs controls.
