Interior Minister reveals how security officer aided drug trafficker bypass scanners at Ghana’s port

The Interior Minister of Ghana, Mohammed Muntaka, disclosed to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee that a senior airport security officer allegedly assisted a drug trafficker in evading security screening at the country's airport. This revelation prompted authorities to bolster security measures, including the deployment of canine units from the police and military to aid the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) in detecting and preventing drug trafficking.

The incident involved the senior security officer using a staff entrance to bypass standard screening procedures. He then handed over the bag he carried to another individual suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. The minister emphasized the need to fortify security checks beyond conventional methods, acknowledging that NACOC lacked sufficient canine units to conduct independent searches, necessitating assistance from other law enforcement agencies.

To address potential loopholes, authorities plan to conduct additional checks at various stages of the airport departure process, including before passengers check-in and again before boarding flights. While acknowledging the possibility of increased passenger delays, the minister argued that these measures were essential to preventing illicit drug movements.

Additionally, Ghana is collaborating with France and signing memoranda of understanding with the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to enhance international cooperation in combating drug trafficking.