President John Mahama of Ghana has directed security agencies to take urgent measures to prevent drug trafficking through the country's ports. This move comes in response to growing concerns about drug consignments leaving Ghana and being intercepted abroad. The directive was given during an urgent meeting convened by President Mahama two weeks ago, which involved various security agencies responsible for port security.
Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the President's directive aims to address weaknesses in the country's ports. He emphasized that the goal is to make Ghana's ports "ironclad" against drug trafficking. According to Mr. Ofosu, the meeting identified rivalry among agencies operating at the ports as a key concern, which often leads to a lack of information sharing and coordination.
The government's stance on the issue comes amid a Minority motion seeking to recall Parliament to address concerns over claims that Ghana is becoming a drug transit hub. The Minority has cited several drug seizures and trafficking cases to support their push for Parliament to examine the issue. However, Mr. Ofosu rejected the description of Ghana as a "cocaine coast" or a drug transit hub.
Mr. Ofosu argued that drug-related arrests by the police and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that Ghana is becoming a trafficking hub. He noted that cases intercepted by security agencies demonstrate that institutions established to fight drug trafficking are carrying out their duties.
Despite this, Mr. Ofosu acknowledged that consignments that escape Ghanaian security checks and are intercepted overseas remain a concern. He stated that the President has consequently ordered the agencies to improve coordination at the ports and end the rivalry that undermines their effectiveness.
According to Mr. Ofosu, President Mahama wants the agencies to work together and share information to prevent drug trafficking. The President has given the agencies a deadline to provide a roadmap for implementing the necessary measures to secure the ports.
The government's efforts to address the issue aim to prevent Ghana's borders from becoming a transit point for drug trafficking. Key measures include improving coordination among security agencies and enhancing their capacity to detect and prevent drug trafficking.
Key points
- President John Mahama has ordered security agencies to make Ghana's ports "ironclad" against drug trafficking.
- The government has rejected the description of Ghana as a "cocaine coast" or a drug transit hub.
- Security agencies have been tasked with improving coordination and information sharing to prevent drug trafficking through Ghana's ports.
