President Mahama forms task force to tackle drug trafficking through Ghana's borders

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the formation of an inter-agency task force to tackle narcotics trafficking through Ghana’s ports and other borders, after being briefed that 10 people, including four Customs officers, are currently in custody over recent drug cases.

The President chaired a meeting with security chiefs on Thursday, September 17, 2026, where he received an update on investigations into the trafficking of narcotics out of Ghana’s ports.

According to a statement from Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the meeting reviewed the security structures and systems currently in place and identified additional measures needed to prevent traffickers from exploiting weaknesses.

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“President John Dramani Mahama today chaired a meeting of security chiefs and received detailed briefing on investigations into the recent trafficking of drugs out of the ports of Ghana,” the statement read.

The task force has been directed to produce a detailed roadmap within two weeks outlining measures to strengthen Ghana’s borders and prevent the movement of narcotics through the country.

“President Mahama directed that an inter-agency task force be formed to present a detailed roadmap, emanating from today’s meeting, on measures to prevent the trafficking of drugs through Ghana’s borders in two weeks,” the statement added.

The development comes amid growing scrutiny of Ghana’s role in international drug trafficking following a series of major seizures linked to the country.

On September 10, 2026, French Customs intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container of plastic waste that had departed from Ghana. The consignment was reportedly worth more than $260 million.

In August 2026, police also intercepted 866 parcels of suspected cocaine concealed in sacks of gari at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave. The consignment was valued at about $6.9 million, with three people arrested in connection with the operation.

Outcome of high-level meeting on narcotics trafficking case. pic.twitter.com/4u8YpywCqz

— Felix Kwakye Ofosu (@FelixKwakyeOfo1) September 17, 2026