Government admits turf war among security agencies is undermining port security

Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has acknowledged that competition between security agencies is hampering Ghana's efforts to protect its ports from drug trafficking. The Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP revealed this on Joy News’ PM Express, as concerns mount over Ghana’s alleged role as a drugs transit hub. The Minority in Parliament had sought a House investigation following numerous major drug seizures connected to Ghana, including a 3.9-ton cocaine haul seized in France from a container that left the country.

Ofosu-Kwakye dismissed claims that the increase in drug cases automatically implies Ghana has become a cocaine hub, stating that law enforcement routinely seizes drugs and arrests suspects as part of their duties. However, he admitted that drugs slipping through Ghanaian borders and being intercepted in other countries pose a significant concern.

This matter was discussed in a recent urgent meeting between various security agencies tasked with securing the nation's ports. Ofosu-Kwakye noted that tensions between the agencies were evident, with each trying to assert dominance over the ports, leading to a lack of information sharing. The current administration finds this situation undesirable and recalls that the previous government reduced the number of agencies operating around the ports in 2018.

President John Mahama has directed the agencies to cease the rivalry, share information, and collaborate to address the issue. The government's priority is now to enhance coordination among the agencies responsible for Ghana's ports and borders.