Mahama orders task force to strengthen measures against drug trafficking

Story by: Regina Bless

President John Dramani Mahama has chaired a meeting with Ghana’s security chiefs to review investigations into recent cases of drug trafficking through the country’s ports.

The President was briefed that 10 individuals, including four officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), are currently being held as investigations continue. The identities of those in custody and details of any charges have not been disclosed, as the investigations remain ongoing.

The meeting also reviewed existing security structures and systems at Ghana’s ports and considered additional measures to strengthen efforts to detect and prevent the movement of illicit drugs through the country’s borders.

President Mahama has subsequently directed the formation of an inter-agency task force to develop a detailed roadmap based on the recommendations from the meeting. The task force has been given two weeks to submit its proposals on measures to strengthen border controls and prevent drug trafficking through Ghana’s ports and other border entry points.

The directive forms part of ongoing efforts by the security agencies to address vulnerabilities in Ghana’s border and port security systems.