President John Dramani Mahama has summoned key security, aviation, maritime and port-sector institutions to a high-level meeting to review Ghana’s border-control systems and strengthen measures to combat narcotics trafficking.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Jubilee House, following the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French customs authorities from a container shipped from Ghana.
The seized cocaine reportedly has an estimated street value of about US$261 million, raising fresh concerns about Ghana’s border security, cargo screening and efforts to prevent the country from being used as a transit point for illegal drugs.
Government to Review Border Security Gaps
According to an invitation issued by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, the meeting will assess weaknesses in Ghana’s existing border-control systems and identify practical measures to prevent the trafficking of narcotic drugs and other illicit substances.
The participating institutions have been instructed to send their respective heads, accompanied by no more than one relevant technical officer.
They are also expected to present brief assessments of existing security challenges and recommend measures to improve intelligence sharing, surveillance, cargo screening and joint enforcement operations.
The review is expected to focus particularly on how security agencies and institutions responsible for Ghana’s ports, airports and borders can strengthen collaboration to detect and prevent international drug trafficking.
Major Institutions Invited to Security Meeting
Several key government agencies and private-sector operators involved in Ghana’s border, port, maritime and aviation security have been invited to the meeting.
They include the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Shippers’ Authority and operators of terminal scanners.
Other institutions expected to participate include Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Navy, Meridian Port Services Ltd, National Intelligence Bureau, Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department and Interpol.
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and Ghana Airports Company Limited are also expected to attend.
The broad participation is intended to help government identify gaps across the country’s port security, airport security, customs screening and intelligence systems.
Minority Raises Concerns Over International Drug Seizures
The presidential meeting comes amid concerns from the Minority in Parliament over Ghana’s handling of major international narcotics seizures.
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has questioned what he described as the lack of high-profile arrests and prosecutions following major international drug seizures linked to Ghana.
The concerns have increased pressure on state security agencies to demonstrate stronger enforcement and accountability in the fight against drug trafficking in Ghana.
NACOC Arrests Three Suspects in Bolle Jos Investigation
Meanwhile, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the cocaine trafficking network associated with Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos.”
The arrests follow the seizure of a cocaine shipment by French customs authorities that is reportedly connected to a wider international narcotics trafficking network.
NACOC has confirmed that the three suspects are currently in its custody and assisting investigators with inquiries into their alleged roles in the reported cocaine trafficking operation.
The development is expected to form part of the broader security concerns being examined as government reviews Ghana’s border-control mechanisms and anti-drug trafficking measures.
Ghana Steps Up Fight Against Narcotics Trafficking
The September 17 meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for Ghana’s security, customs, maritime and aviation authorities to develop stronger strategies against international drug trafficking.
Improved cargo screening, intelligence-led investigations, information sharing and coordinated enforcement could play a key role in preventing Ghana’s ports and borders from being exploited by international narcotics networks.
The government is also expected to assess how existing security infrastructure can be strengthened to protect Ghana’s borders while improving cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
Source: newsthemegh.com