Ten people, including four officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), are being held as investigations continue into recent drug trafficking through Ghana’s ports.
President John Dramani Mahama was briefed on the development on Thursday, September 17, during an urgent meeting with the country’s security chiefs.
According to a statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President received a detailed briefing on investigations into the trafficking of drugs out of the country’s ports.
“Ten (10) individuals, including four officers of the Customs Division of the GRA, are being held while investigations continue,” the statement said.
The Presidency has not disclosed the identities of those in custody or provided details of the allegations against them. It also did not indicate whether charges had been filed, as investigations are ongoing.
The involvement of four Customs officers is among the developments emerging from the investigations, although the statement did not establish any wrongdoing against the individuals in custody.
The meeting also reviewed existing structures and security systems designed to prevent drug trafficking and considered additional measures to strengthen controls at the country’s ports and borders.
President Mahama subsequently directed the formation of an inter-agency task force to develop a detailed roadmap to prevent the trafficking of drugs through Ghana’s borders.
The task force is expected to submit its proposals within two weeks, based on the outcome of Thursday’s meeting.