Parliament must reconvene to probe cocaine cases - Miracles Aboagye

United Party (UP) director Solomon Owusu has raised concerns about Ghana's intelligence capabilities following the arrest of a South African drug smuggler at OR Tambo International Airport. The 52-year-old man was detained on September 20, 2026, when he allegedly arrived from Accra with suspected heroin valued at over US$123,000. South African authorities found bullet-like objects and suspected heroin in his luggage during an intelligence-led operation.

Owusu questioned Ghana's security intelligence efforts, particularly the role of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) in gathering information. He asked, "What is the BNI doing? The BNI is supposed to be gathering information. Is Ghana too big for them?" He criticized the previous administration's management of the security sector, attributing its current drug-related challenges to poor management and administration.

Owusu further stated that drug traffickers are becoming more aware of security measures and attempt to move their consignments before detection, raising doubts about how intelligence agencies can intercept such activities.

The latest arrest marks the third suspected drug-mule case at OR Tambo International Airport in three weeks, according to South African police. The suspect is set to appear in Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on drug-trafficking charges, and investigations are ongoing.