Prophet Kofi Oduro, founder of Alabaster International Ministry, has spoken out about the recent arrest of Jessica Hartog and several co-accused over an alleged illicit consignment linked to an international investigation. During a Sunday sermon in Accra on 27 September 2026, Oduro expressed concerns about the lifestyles of the suspects, questioning how they could afford to rent property in East Legon, one of Accra's more expensive residential neighbourhoods. He suggested that some individuals set up visible, legitimate-looking businesses as a front while allegedly engaged in illegal dealings behind the scenes.
Oduro's comments have sparked a heated debate about the issue of illicit wealth and its connection to visible businesses in affluent neighbourhoods. The suspects, including Jessica Hartog, Desmond Koranteng Curiel, Musah Atta, and Kweku Okyere, have been remanded in custody and are due back in court on 13 October 2026. A fifth suspect, Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, is reportedly still at large. Oduro's sermon has raised questions about accountability for institutions meant to track such activity and has added a moral and political dimension to the story.
The case has emerged alongside a string of drug-related developments that have been making headlines in recent weeks. Authorities recently seized an assault rifle, pistols, and 610 bullets at Tema Port, while a claim by broadcaster Nana B about a drug laboratory sparked an NDC call for his arrest. Opposition lawmakers have also moved to escalate scrutiny of the issue, with NPP MPs pushing for a parliamentary probe into Ghana-linked drug seizures.
Oduro has urged young Ghanaians not to envy the lifestyles of the suspects, stressing instead the importance of hard work and integrity. He has also directed a sharp message at the ruling NDC government, cautioning it against any attempt to interfere in the ongoing legal process surrounding the case. Oduro warned that it would go badly for the government should the suspects be released before the courts had dealt with the matter.
The four arrested suspects have been connected to an alleged illicit consignment tied to a wider international probe. The case has drawn attention from Parliament and the public, with many Ghanaians expressing concerns about the issue of illicit wealth and its connection to visible businesses in affluent neighbourhoods. Oduro's remarks have added a new dimension to the story, highlighting the need for accountability and the importance of allowing the legal process to run its course.
The search for Jos Leijdekkers, who remains at large, continues, and no further timeline has been given for his capture. The NDC government has not yet responded publicly to Prophet Oduro's warning against interference in the case. The suspects are scheduled to reappear in court on 13 October 2026, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold.
The case has sparked a wider reckoning about the issue of illicit wealth and its connection to visible businesses in Ghana. Oduro's comments have highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issue and the importance of addressing the root causes of illicit activity. As the case continues to unfold, it is likely to have significant implications for Ghana's efforts to tackle illicit activity and promote accountability.
Key points
- Pastor Kofi Oduro warns NDC government against interfering in the Hartog drug case.
- Suspects in the Hartog drug case have been remanded in custody and are due back in court on 13 October 2026.
- The case has sparked a wider reckoning about the issue of illicit wealth and its connection to visible businesses in Ghana.
