Ghana: 10 detained, including 4 customs officers, in drug trafficking investigations

Ten individuals, including four officers from the customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, are currently in custody as part of investigations into recent drug trafficking cases at Ghana’s ports. President John Dramani Mahama was informed of the situation during a security meeting in Accra on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The presidency has not disclosed the names of those detained or the specific charges they may face. It stated that investigations are ongoing. The official statement does not present any of the individuals involved as having been found guilty of an offense.

This case comes in the wake of the seizure of nearly 3.9 tons of cocaine in France from a container that originated in Ghana. This interception prompted Ghanaian authorities to review the controls applied to cargoes passing through port facilities.

Following Thursday’s meeting, John Dramani Mahama ordered the establishment of an inter-agency team tasked with preparing a national roadmap to combat drug trafficking at the borders. This team has two weeks to submit its recommendations.

The meeting also reviewed security measures at the ports and the detection mechanisms employed by the relevant services. New measures were recommended to enhance border control, information sharing, and coordination among the involved administrations.

The government information service clarified that the roadmap should translate these recommendations into operational measures for the ports and other entry points in the country.