Mahama summons security, port agencies to answer major drug seizures linked to Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama is set to meet key security, aviation and maritime-sector institutions to assess Ghana’s border-control arrangements and develop stronger measures against narcotics trafficking.

The high-level meeting, scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Jubilee House, follows the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French customs authorities from a container originating from Ghana. The consignment is estimated to have a street value of US$261 million.

An invitation issued by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, on Monday, September 14, said the discussions would focus on weaknesses in Ghana’s border-control systems and practical steps to prevent the movement of narcotics and other prohibited substances.

The institutions invited have been instructed to attend through their respective heads, accompanied by not more than one technical officer. They are also expected to present brief reports on existing security vulnerabilities and recommend improvements in intelligence coordination, surveillance, cargo screening and joint enforcement.

The meeting comes amid concerns from the Minority in Parliament over Ghana’s response to major international drug seizures. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, has questioned the absence of what he described as high-profile arrests and prosecutions in connection with such incidents.

Among the institutions expected to participate are the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority and operators of terminal scanners.

Also invited are Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Navy, Meridian Port Services Ltd, the National Intelligence Bureau, the Criminal Investigations Department and Interpol units of the Ghana Police Service, the Narcotics Control Commission and Ghana Airports Company Limited.

Separately, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested 3 persons suspected of being connected to the ‘Bolle Jos’ cocaine trafficking network following the French seizure.

NACOC said the suspects remain in its custody and are assisting investigators in efforts to establish their alleged involvement in the trafficking operation.