Security consultant Richard Kumadoe has expressed concerns about Ghana's gun licensing procedures, the handling of a suspected cocaine shipment, and communication gaps among security agencies. He made these remarks on the Ahotor 92.3FM Morning Show, discussing the investigation into the killing of a 72-year-old man and the reported movement of cocaine from Ghana to Lebanon. Mr. Kumadoe emphasized the need for stronger background checks before firearms are issued.
Mr. Kumadoe urged the police to continue investigations into the killing of the 72-year-old man to establish the facts and identify any accomplices. He stressed that a gun license does not permit reckless or unlawful use of a firearm and that gun ownership carries responsibilities. According to him, violations can attract sanctions under the applicable law. Mr. Kumadoe also called for vetting to go beyond medical examinations to include criminal records and emotional stability.
On the cocaine case, Mr. Kumadoe questioned discrepancies in the quantities reported publicly, with NACOC putting the consignment at about 40 kilogrammes and Lebanese Customs reporting a seizure of 46.7 kilogrammes. The Narcotics Control Commission says a Syrian national was arrested at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport on October 31, 2026, after arriving from Accra with suspected cocaine concealed in two pieces of luggage.
The arrest followed a coordinated controlled-delivery operation with Lebanese drug-law-enforcement authorities aimed at identifying suspects and dismantling the wider network. Mr. Kumadoe acknowledged that controlled delivery can be an effective investigative technique but said the decision to allow a suspected consignment to leave Ghana must be weighed against the country's political environment and public confidence in law enforcement.
Mr. Kumadoe also expressed concerns about communication gaps among security agencies, saying conflicting reports and unverified claims could create confusion and damage the credibility of security institutions. He cautioned against linking individuals to the case without verified evidence and stressed that accurate and timely communication is essential to democratic governance and security intelligence.
Lebanese authorities said the suspected cocaine was concealed in 40 packages using packaging and insulation designed to evade airport scanners, with electronic tracking devices found in the luggage. The suspect was identified only by his initials, B.H. NACOC has rejected suggestions that the operation failed, with its Deputy Director-General saying the arrest at the airport was consistent with established procedures.
NACOC is pursuing suspected accomplices in Ghana as investigations continue. Mr. Kumadoe also noted that law-enforcement work does not end with an arrest, as cases must proceed through prosecution and the courts. He argued that delays in court proceedings should not automatically be blamed on investigators, particularly where responsibility may lie with prosecutors or other justice-sector institutions.
Key points
- Security consultant Richard Kumadoe raises concerns over Ghana's gun licensing procedures.
- Discrepancies in the quantities of cocaine reported publicly have raised concerns.
- Communication gaps among security agencies could undermine confidence in law enforcement.
