The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) of Ghana has emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among security agencies operating at the Tema Harbour. This call was made by NACOC's Director-General, Major-General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, during a working visit to key operational areas of the harbour on October 1, 2026. The goal is to prevent the port from being used as a transit point for narcotic drugs.
Major-General Mantey stressed the importance of closer collaboration and information-sharing among the various agencies responsible for port security. This is particularly crucial given the growing concerns over narcotic consignments linked to Ghana. He insisted that no container should leave the port without the required clearance and authorisation from NACOC and other relevant security agencies.
During his visit, Major-General Mantey covered several key areas, including the MPS Export and Import Scan, MPS Main Office, and the ACS Export Terminal. At the MPS Export and Import Scan, the delegation received a briefing on the scanning process. This process involves generating container images and forwarding them to the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division for interpretation.
Major-General Mantey engaged with officers on existing procedures and operational challenges. Discussions focused on ways to strengthen the detection and interception of illicit consignments. He highlighted that recent developments have significant implications for Ghana’s international reputation. The NACOC Director-General maintained that NACOC would not protect anyone found culpable of wrongdoing.
The agenda, according to Major-General Mantey, is to develop Ghana and protect its good image. He met with the Chief Executive Officer of MPS, Mohammed Samara, who expressed concern over recent narcotic seizures abroad linked to Ghana. Mr. Samara assured the delegation of MPS’s commitment to working with state institutions to strengthen security at the port.
MPS will create opportunities for NACOC and other security agencies to undertake relevant training and operate effectively within its scan rooms. Major-General Mantey acknowledged MPS's role as a private-sector partner in port operations. However, he stressed that commercial considerations should not override national security and Ghana’s international reputation.
The working visit concluded at the ACS Export Terminal, where Major-General Mantey interacted with officers. He urged them to remain vigilant, diligent, and professional in carrying out their duties. This visit is part of NACOC’s broader efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and tighten security measures at Ghana’s ports amid heightened scrutiny of narcotics trafficking through the country.
Key points
- The NACOC Director-General emphasized the need for closer collaboration and information-sharing among security agencies at the Tema Harbour.
- The visit aimed to strengthen the detection and interception of illicit consignments and prevent the port from being exploited as a transit point for narcotic drugs.
- NACOC will collaborate with MPS to provide software and training for officers to improve their capacity to detect and prevent drug trafficking through the port.
