More than 19 kilogrammes of gold seized in suspected drug-money laundering cases - Interior Minister

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, has disclosed that operations by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) have led to 217 arrests and 165 prosecutions, as authorities intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking and related financial crimes in Ghana.

According to the Minister, security agencies have intercepted more than 8.5 tonnes of narcotic drugs and 45.4 million Tramadol tablets through operations undertaken by NACOC.

He disclosed the figures on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the Government Accountability Series, where he outlined key achievements and interventions in Ghana's security and public safety sector.

Mr Muntaka said the drug enforcement operations had gone beyond arrests and seizures to include efforts to identify and recover assets allegedly linked to narcotics-related financial activities.

He said authorities had recovered 73 tainted assets and seized more than 19 kilogrammes of gold in cases involving suspected drug-money laundering.

Authorities have also restrained assets and cash valued at more than GH¢6.9 million and US$440,000, according to the Minister.

The figures highlight the government's growing focus on tackling not only the movement of illegal drugs but also the financial networks that support and benefit from the narcotics trade.

The Interior Minister also provided an update on the government's recruitment drive for the country's security and public safety agencies.

He disclosed that the first 10,000 successful applicants recruited into the Police, Fire, Prisons and Immigration Services are currently undergoing training.

Another 10,000 successful applicants are expected to commence training next year from the existing pool of applicants who have successfully completed the recruitment process.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the country's security agencies by increasing personnel levels and improving their capacity to respond to emerging security and public safety challenges.

Mr Muntaka also gave an update on investigations into election-related killings.

He said 26 suspects have so far been put before the courts in connection with such cases.

Of that number, one suspect has been discharged, while 25 are currently standing trial.

The Minister added that security agencies were pursuing a further 13 suspects for arrest, investigation and prosecution.

The disclosure comes amid continuing calls for accountability over violence associated with elections and for stronger measures to deter politically motivated attacks.

The Interior Minister further disclosed that Ghana had repatriated 3,241 migrant beggars to neighbouring countries by July 2026.

Of the total, 2,281 were repatriated by the end of 2025, while an additional 960 were repatriated between January and July 2026.

The exercise forms part of efforts by the authorities to address irregular migration and the growing presence of migrant beggars in some major urban centres.

The disclosures formed part of a broader presentation on the government's performance in the security and public safety sector.

The Interior Ministry has been highlighting measures aimed at strengthening law enforcement, improving recruitment into the security services, combating organised crime and addressing emerging threats.

The latest figures on narcotics seizures, prosecutions, asset recovery and security recruitment are expected to inform ongoing discussions about Ghana's security architecture and the resources required to protect communities.

The government has also stressed the importance of strengthening investigations and prosecutions to ensure that criminal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering and election-related violence, do not go unpunished.