Mahama orders security agencies to make Ghana’s ports safe against drug trafficking

President John Mahama has directed government agencies to secure Ghana's ports against drug trafficking, according to the government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The directive followed concerns over drug consignments leaving the country and being intercepted abroad. At an urgent meeting two weeks ago, the president convened security agencies to address weaknesses at the ports, stating it was a response to his concern over the issue.

Ofosu rejected claims that Ghana is becoming a drug transit hub, emphasizing that isolated drug-related arrests by the police and Narcotics Control Commission do not automatically indicate such activity. However, he acknowledged that consignments escaping Ghana's security checks and being intercepted overseas are a point of concern.

The meeting also identified rivalry among agencies operating at the ports as a key issue, with Ofosu stating that the president wants these agencies to end the turf battle and collaborate. The deadline for the roadmap outlining cooperative measures to prevent drug trafficking at ports is set to expire within days.