President John Dramani Mahama today chaired a meeting of security chiefs in Accra and received detailed briefing on investigations into recent trafficking of drugs out of Ghana ports. The President met with heads of National Security, Ghana Police Service, Customs Division and Narcotics Control Commission. He demanded full accountability and tighter screening at all entry points.
The President was informed that 10 individuals including 4 officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority are being held while investigations continue. The suspects are being questioned over alleged complicity in allowing narcotic consignments to exit without proper inspection. Security agencies are reviewing CCTV footage, scanner logs and manifest records to establish the breach.
President Mahama directed that an inter agency task force be formed to present a detailed roadmap emanating from today meeting on measures to prevent trafficking of drugs through Ghana borders in 2 weeks. The task force will audit security systems at Tema Port, Takoradi Port and Kotoka International Airport. It will also propose reforms to eliminate human interference in cargo examination.
In Ghana, narcotics offences are governed by the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020 Act 1019 which criminalizes trafficking and provides for long custodial sentences and forfeiture of assets. The Customs Division operates under the Ghana Revenue Authority and uses the Integrated Customs Management System to track imports, while the Narcotics Control Commission leads enforcement and interdiction. These systems, like the Computerized School Selection and Placement System for BECE graduates, WASSCE grading from A1 to F9, Free SHS funding structure, Energy Commission licensing for electrical professionals and anti Galamsey laws under the Minerals and Mining Act, rely on digital accountability to prevent collusion. According to the Presidency, the roadmap will link port scanners to a central intelligence database.
Tema Port handles over 70 percent of Ghana container traffic and has been flagged in past reports as vulnerable to drug transit. Recent seizures have involved cocaine concealed in sugar and rice consignments destined for Europe. Officials admit that compromised officers and weak rotation policy increase risk. The current arrests mark one of the largest internal actions involving Customs officers in recent years.
The task force is expected to recommend biometric access at bonded warehouses, mandatory joint inspection by NACOC and Customs and immediate transfer of officers who overstay at sensitive gates. President Mahama has asked for weekly progress briefs until the final roadmap is ready. Observers say swift implementation will boost Ghana international image and protect revenue.
Source: #Howedey.com
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Author: Korkor Anumu
