Mahama Orders Security Agencies to Make Ghana’s Ports ‘Ironclad’ Against Drug Trafficking

President John Mahama has directed security agencies to strengthen security at Ghana’s ports and make them “ironclad” against drug trafficking.

Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the directive followed concerns over drug consignments that have escaped checks in Ghana and were later intercepted in other countries.

Mr Ofosu in an interview said President Mahama convened an urgent meeting with the various security agencies about two weeks ago to address weaknesses at the ports.

He said the President wants the agencies to improve coordination, share intelligence and end rivalry among institutions operating at the ports.

According to Mr Ofosu, the meeting revealed tensions among some of the agencies, with each seeking to assert control over operations at the ports. He said this sometimes results in information not being shared effectively.

The President has therefore directed the agencies to end the “turf battle” and submit a roadmap outlining measures to improve collaboration and prevent drug trafficking through Ghana.

Mr Ofosu’s comments come amid a Minority motion seeking the recall of Parliament to debate concerns over claims that Ghana is becoming a drug transit hub.

The government spokesperson, however, rejected the description of Ghana as a “cocaine coast” or drug transit hub, arguing that drug-related arrests and seizures demonstrate that the relevant security institutions are performing their duties.

He acknowledged, however, that consignments that evade checks in Ghana and are intercepted abroad remain a major concern.

Mr Ofosu said President Mahama was clear that he would not tolerate Ghana’s borders being used as a transit route for drug trafficking.

The deadline given to the security agencies to submit their roadmap is expected to expire within days.