President John Mahama of Ghana has directed security agencies to take urgent measures to secure the country's ports against drug trafficking. 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 government is committed to preventing Ghana from becoming a drug transit hub. According to Mr. Ofosu, the President's concern was sparked by recent drug seizures and trafficking cases, which have raised alarms about the country's role in the global drug trade.
The government's stance on the issue comes amid a Minority motion seeking to recall Parliament to address concerns over Ghana's alleged status as a drug transit hub. The Minority has cited several drug seizures and trafficking cases as evidence of the country's growing involvement in the drug trade. However, Mr. Ofosu rejected the description of Ghana as a "cocaine coast" or a drug transit hub, arguing that isolated cases should not be taken as evidence of a larger problem.
Mr. Ofosu acknowledged that consignments escaping Ghanaian security checks and being intercepted overseas remain a concern. He emphasized that the President has ordered the agencies to improve coordination at the ports, citing rivalry among agencies operating at the ports as a key challenge. According to Mr. Ofosu, the President wants the agencies to end their turf battles and work together to share information and prevent drug trafficking.
The government's efforts to secure Ghana's ports are also driven by recent statistics showing the country's growing involvement in the global cocaine trade. Ghana was ranked 5th in the source of cocaine seized at Antwerp, Belgium in 2025. This development has raised concerns about the country's role in the global drug trade and the need for urgent action to prevent further involvement.
President Mahama has given the security agencies a deadline to develop a roadmap for securing the ports, which was due to expire within days. The President emphasized that Ghana must not become a transit route for drug trafficking, and that he will not tolerate any further involvement in the global drug trade. The government's efforts to address the issue have been welcomed by many, who see it as a crucial step in preventing Ghana's ports from being used for illicit activities.
The issue of drug trafficking in Ghana's ports has sparked a renewed debate about the country's role in the global drug trade. While some have expressed concerns about the country's growing involvement in the drug trade, others have welcomed the government's efforts to address the issue. As the government works to implement the President's directive, many will be watching to see if Ghana can successfully prevent its ports from being used for drug trafficking.
Key points
- President John Mahama has ordered security agencies to make Ghana's ports "ironclad" against drug trafficking.
- The directive aims to address weaknesses in the country's ports and prevent Ghana from becoming a drug transit hub.
- Ghana was ranked 5th in the source of cocaine seized at Antwerp, Belgium in 2025.
