Ghana BNI dismisses six officers over smuggling scandal

Six officers of Ghana’s Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) have been dismissed following an internal investigation into a smuggling scheme at the agency’s detention facilities. The probe was triggered on February 16, 2026, when a routine cell inspection revealed a detainee making an unauthorized phone call.

Investigators discovered that compromised staff had established an organized network to supply suspects with mobile phones, accessories, and a screwdriver. The scheme reportedly involved using food deliveries from restaurants to bypass security protocols, with contraband concealed inside food packages.

Evidence against the officers surfaced when a phone number belonging to a BNI operative was discovered written on the back of a playing card used by detainees. Out of eight operatives investigated, six were dismissed, one was demoted, and one was exonerated. The agency has since tightened internal controls as part of an ongoing purge.