The Ghanaian government has acknowledged that a turf war among security agencies is compromising port security, particularly in the fight against drug trafficking. Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu made this admission on Joy News' PM Express, highlighting that some agencies have been competing for control instead of sharing information and collaborating. This revelation comes amid growing concerns over Ghana's alleged emergence as a transit point for narcotics.
The issue gained traction following several major drug seizures linked to Ghana, including the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France from a container that had departed Ghana. The Minority in Parliament had pushed for an investigation into the matter. However, Mr. Ofosu-Kwakye rejected the claim that the number of drug cases automatically means Ghana has become a cocaine hub, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies routinely intercept drug consignments and arrest suspects.
Despite these efforts, consignments that escape Ghanaian authorities and are intercepted abroad remain a major concern. President John Mahama convened an urgent meeting two weeks prior to the interview, involving various security agencies to address the issue. The meeting exposed serious tensions between the agencies responsible for securing the country's ports, with each trying to assert their supremacy and sometimes not sharing information.
The government spokesperson noted that the previous administration had reduced the number of agencies operating around the ports in 2018, citing the need to expedite exports and clamp down on the turf war. However, this situation is no longer considered desirable by the government. President Mahama has directed the agencies to end the rivalry and improve coordination, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to secure Ghana's ports.
The President has made it clear that Ghana must not become a transit point for international drug trafficking. He has instructed the agencies to bring him a roadmap showing their efforts to ensure this goal is achieved. The government's immediate focus is on tightening coordination among the agencies responsible for Ghana's ports and borders, amid Parliament being recalled to address the narcotics controversy.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, subsequently ruled the Minority's proposed parliamentary inquiry inadmissible. Six other people are currently in custody as Ghana investigates drug trafficking through its ports. The government's stance is that the country's borders should not be used for drug trafficking, and efforts are being made to address the issue through improved coordination and cooperation among security agencies.
The comments from the government spokesperson come as the country grapples with the challenge of drug trafficking. The government's efforts to secure its ports and borders are ongoing, with a focus on preventing the transit of narcotics through Ghana. The situation remains a concern, with the government working to implement measures to address the issue and ensure the country's ports are secure.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has admitted that a turf war among security agencies is undermining efforts to secure ports against drug trafficking.
- President John Mahama has directed the agencies to end the rivalry and improve coordination to secure Ghana's ports.
- The government is working to implement measures to address the issue of drug trafficking through its ports and borders.
