Accra: Concerns raised in Parliament in July 2025 by the Ranking Member on Defence and Interior, John Ntim Fordjour, over the absence of functional narcotics detection scanners at Ghana's ports have resurfaced following recent international drug interceptions linked to shipments originating from Ghana. The renewed attention comes after Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) confirmed arrests in connection with a major methamphetamine shipment intercepted in Australia.
According to Ghana Web, during a parliamentary discussion on 9 July 2025, Fordjour warned that Ghana's major entry points, including the then Kotoka International Airport and other regional airports, were operating without functional, intrusive narcotics detection scanners. He argued that the situation posed a serious risk to national security and drug trafficking control efforts. He stated that the absence of such scanners meant narcotic substances could easily transit through Ghana's ports undetected. His comments were directed at delays in addressing equipment breakdowns and procurement challenges, which he suggested had persisted for an extended period.
In response to parliamentary questions raised at the time, the Interior Ministry acknowledged challenges affecting scanner functionality, citing procurement procedures as a factor delaying replacement and repairs. The airports referenced in discussions included Kotoka International Airport, now Accra International Airport, Tamale Airport, and Kumasi Airport. The concerns have gained renewed urgency following developments reported by the Narcotics Control Commission.
The Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, announced the arrest of additional suspects linked to the interception of a shipment containing 320 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in sacks of charcoal and exported to Australia. He disclosed that the arrests followed coordinated intelligence operations involving Ghanaian security agencies and international partners. According to him, investigations are ongoing, and further arrests are expected as authorities work to dismantle the trafficking network. NACOC operates under Ghana's national drug enforcement framework and is leading the domestic investigation into the case.
The case gained international attention after Australian authorities intercepted the shipment in Sydney, with the drugs reportedly valued at hundreds of millions of dollars on the street market. The shipment, originating from Ghana and disguised as charcoal, has led to multiple arrests abroad, with foreign authorities also pursuing individuals allegedly connected to the network.