Ghana President Orders Extended Drug Probe After 3.9 Tonnes of Cocaine Seized
President John Dramani Mahama met security chiefs on Sept. 17, 2026, after a 3.9‑tonne cocaine shipment was seized in France from a container that arrived from Ghana.
In Brief
- •President John Dramani Mahama met security chiefs on Sept. 17, 2026, after a 3.9‑tonne cocaine shipment was seized in France from a container that arrived from Ghana.
- •The government has set a two‑week deadline for an inter‑agency task force to produce a roadmap, but former Defence Minister Dominic Bingab Aduna Nitiwul says the scope requires a longer investigation.
- •Ten people, including four customs officers, are in custody, with six additional individuals held to aid the inquiry.
- •The probe must trace how the cocaine entered Ghana and who handled the container before departure.
- •The former minister argues the scale of the seizure—about 80 cement bags—demands a comprehensive network analysis beyond the initial report.
Why It Matters
The seizure of nearly 4 tonnes of cocaine highlights serious vulnerabilities in Ghana’s port security and customs procedures, raising concerns about the country’s role in international drug trafficking. A thorough investigation is essential to protect national security, maintain investor confidence, and uphold Ghana’s commitments under international drug control agreements.
Key Details
- Seized Cocaine
- 3.9 tonnes
- Task Force Deadline
- 2 weeks
- Custody Count
- 10 people (4 customs officers)
- Additional Custody
- 6 individuals
- Meeting Date
- September 17, 2026
Context & Background
Ghana does not produce cocaine, so the investigation must determine how the drug entered the country and who facilitated its movement through ports such as Tema.
Original Reporting & Sources
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