Mahama summons security, port agencies after major drug seizures linked to Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has summoned key security, aviation and port-sector institutions to a high-level meeting to review Ghana’s border-control systems and strengthen measures against narcotics trafficking.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Jubilee House and comes days after French customs authorities seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of US$261 million from a container shipped from Ghana.

According to an invitation issued by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, and sighted by Citi News on Monday, September 14, the meeting will focus on identifying weaknesses in Ghana’s border-control systems and developing practical measures to prevent the trafficking of narcotics and other illicit substances.

Heads of the participating institutions have been directed to attend with no more than one relevant technical officer.

They are also expected to provide brief assessments of existing security gaps and propose measures to improve intelligence sharing, surveillance, screening and joint enforcement operations.

The meeting is expected to bring together institutions responsible for Ghana’s ports, maritime security, customs, intelligence, policing and aviation security.

Institutions expected to participate include the Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghana Shippers’ Authority.

Also invited are operators of terminal scanners, Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana Navy, Meridian Port Services Ltd, National Intelligence Bureau, the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department and Interpol.

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and Ghana Airports Company Limited are also expected to be represented.

The presidential meeting follows the seizure by French customs authorities of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine from a container shipped from Ghana.

The development has renewed scrutiny of Ghana’s systems for screening cargo and preventing the use of the country’s ports and other entry points for international drug trafficking.

The meeting also comes amid concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament over Ghana’s handling of major international drug seizures.

Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has questioned what he described as the lack of high-profile arrests and prosecutions in major narcotics cases.

Meanwhile, NACOC has arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the “Bolle Jos” cocaine trafficking network following the French seizure.

The Commission said the suspects are currently in its custody and are assisting with investigations into their alleged roles in the reported cocaine trafficking operation.

The outcome of the September 17 meeting is expected to inform measures aimed at strengthening Ghana’s border controls and improving coordination among institutions responsible for preventing illicit trafficking.