Article by Nana Adwoa Kwofie
The Ghana Police Service has intercepted a large boat carrying suspected narcotic substances on the Volta River following a special intelligence-led operation by the Aveyime District Police.
The operation, which took place on the night of Sunday, February 16, 2026, was led by the District Operations Commander, DSP Isaac Nyamekye, and the District Commander, ASP Christopher Asante Ahoku. Acting on intelligence, the officers embarked on a river patrol to intercept a boat suspected to be transporting narcotic drugs concealed in sacks.
According to police sources, the team, comprising eight junior officers, secured a private boat and laid an ambush on the river. At about 2:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2026, the suspected boat was sighted heading towards Sogakope. Attempts by the police to stop the vessel were unsuccessful as the occupants allegedly refused to comply and attempted to flee.
In the course of the pursuit, the suspects reportedly became aggressive and made violent attempts to capsize the police boat. The officers, however, exercised restraint and applied the minimum force necessary to overpower the suspects and safely bring them ashore. A search conducted on the intercepted boat revealed forty-one (41) sacks of suspected narcotic drugs believed to be Indian hemp. Each sack reportedly contained eighty (80) parcels, bringing the total to 3,280 parcels. The police also retrieved fourteen (14) yellow gallons containing pre-mixed fuel and an additional 40-horsepower outboard motor, suspected to be a backup in case of mechanical failure.
The four suspects arrested were identified as Peter Kwaku, 30, and Mathew Kojo Paul, 45, both boat operators, as well as Moses Kwadwo, 21, and Mawuli Soga, 25, who served as assistants. Police further disclosed that the suspects allegedly attempted to offer a bribe of GH¢150,000 to the officers during the operation, an offer which was firmly rejected.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects alleged that one Elias is the owner of the consignment and that they were contracted to transport the goods to Nigeria. They claimed the items were transferred to them mid-river using two smaller boats. One of the suspects, Peter Kwaku, further indicated that this would have been his third trip to Nigeria, following previous trips in November 2025 and January 2026 involving smaller quantities.
The suspects and all seized exhibits have since been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) at the Ho Regional Police Headquarters for further investigations and prosecution.
The successful operation has been described as a demonstration of professionalism and dedication by the officers involved. Police authorities say such efforts align with the encouragement and recognition policy introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, aimed at motivating officers who distinguish themselves in the line of duty.