Mahama Directs Complete Overhaul of Port Scanners and Personnel to Combat Drug Trafficking Crisis

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate replacement of all scanning machines and imaging equipment across the nation’s entry and exit points. The executive directive follows growing national and international scrutiny after a series of high-profile narcotics trafficking incidents, including a massive seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France that was traced back to a container originating from Tema Port. The complete hardware refresh is designed to eliminate technological vulnerabilities and ensure that advanced scanning capabilities are brought online to detect illicit cargo. 

​Beyond upgrading technology, the President’s directive enforces a total overhaul of port operations staff. All personnel across key agencies involved in import and export clearance including customs officers, port officials, and security inspectors are set to be transferred or replaced. The decision comes as investigations led to the detention and prosecution of several state officials accused of compromising established scanning protocols and clearing suspicious shipments. By bringing in a fresh cohort of personnel, the administration aims to break up entrenched operational networks and restore compromise-free surveillance at the borders. 

​Speaking on the strategic measures, government and party leaders including National Democratic Congress (NDC) Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande emphasized that these actions form part of a wider, multi-agency crackdown on transnational organized crime. Under President Mahama’s mandate, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has also been restored to the list of primary port inspection bodies with unfettered access across air, land, and sea borders. Coupled with a two-week directive for an inter-agency task force to present a comprehensive border security roadmap, the administration signals an unyielding stance toward safeguarding Ghana’s reputation and terminating the use of its ports for illicit drug transit. 

@VoltaToday