Mahama directs formation of inter-agency task force to curb rising drug trafficking at ports

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the formation of an inter-agency task force to develop measures to prevent drug trafficking through Ghana’s borders.

The task force is to present a detailed roadmap within two weeks.

The directive was given at an urgent meeting of security chiefs chaired by the President today [Thursday, September 17, 2026] to review recent cases of drug trafficking out of the country’s ports

At the meeting, President Mahama was briefed that 10 individuals, including four officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, are in custody as investigations continue.

The meeting also reviewed the structure and security systems at the ports and recommended new actions to tighten controls.

The meeting follows heightened scrutiny after French customs seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk in northern France.

The drugs, with an estimated street value of €225 million (about $261 million), were concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana and was partly destined for Antwerp in Belgium.

In connection with that seizure, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) on September 14 announced the arrest of three suspects in Ghana who allegedly facilitated the activities of a Dutch fugitive known as “Bolle Jos”.