Mahama summons port and security agencies over Ghana-linked drug seizures

President John Dramani Mahama is set to convene a meeting on Thursday, September 17, to address concerns over Ghana's drug trafficking issues. The gathering, to be held at Jubilee House, will involve representatives from various sectors, including security, aviation, and port authorities. The focus will be on identifying weaknesses in the country's border controls and devising strategies to curb drug smuggling and other illicit activities.

Cocaine worth an estimated $261 million was recently seized by French customs officials from a container that had been shipped out of Ghana, prompting the call for a high-level discussion on the matter. The Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, has invited the heads of participating institutions along with one technical officer each.

These institutions are expected to present assessments of current security gaps and propose solutions to enhance intelligence sharing, surveillance, screening, and joint enforcement efforts.

The Minority in Parliament has expressed concerns over the handling of recent high-profile drug seizures, questioning the lack of significant arrests and prosecutions. The meeting aims to tackle these issues head-on by bringing together key stakeholders from various sectors to collaborate and find effective solutions to combat drug trafficking and other illegal activities in the country.