Ghana establishes task force to combat drug trafficking

President John Dramani Mahama has established an inter-agency task force to combat the trafficking of narcotic drugs through Ghana’s borders, ports, and airports. This decision follows the seizure of approximately 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the French port of Dunkirk, which was allegedly concealed in a container of plastic waste originating from Ghana.

Investigations into the Dunkirk seizure have led to the custody of ten individuals, including four officers from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority. The incident has highlighted concerns regarding state-embedded criminal actors, with reports suggesting that officials within police, immigration, and customs services may be facilitating the trafficking of drugs, arms, and illegal minerals.

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has welcomed the formation of the task force and commended the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for its efforts. The Conference emphasized the need for stronger surveillance and accountability to prevent the country from serving as a transit point for illicit substances, calling for investigations to target the financiers and principal actors behind these networks.