Four months after a major security operation uncovered 12 containers filled with gold bars, foreign currency, and other contraband items in Sapeiman, the Interior Minister tells Parliament National Security is yet to arrest the perpetrators.
The containers, discovered in a warehouse in Ga South Municipality, were intercepted by national security officers acting on intelligence. The operation, which followed several days of surveillance, has since raised questions about the pace of investigations.
Speaking in Parliament, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak said,
“Security operatives acting on intelligence report successfully intercepted suspected counterfeit US dollars and fraudulent gold bars stored in a shipping container located at the Sapeiman area. Following established security protocols, the suspected items were securely protected. Later, in the interest of accountability, the media, an important partner in this effort, was invited to cover the story for reporting purposes.”
He added that authorities are working with international and domestic bodies to verify the seized items. “The National Security is also collaborating with the United States Embassy to confirm the authenticity of the suspected counterfeit currencies. At the same time, there is collaboration with the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Gold Board to confirm the authenticity of the intercepted gold bars in Ghana cities,” he told the House.
Despite the efforts, the main suspect remains at large. Mubarak explained: “Mr Speaker, it is worth mentioning that the operation was initiated following days of monitoring and tracking the modus operandi of the suspects. However, on the day the swoop was taken, the prime suspect had escaped before the security personnel arrived at the scene. Investigation is ongoing to identify the suspect and their agent and the extent of the operation.”
Meanwhile, the minister also provided alarming updates about the state of security at the country’s ports and airports, revealing that critical narcotics scanners have been out of order for months.
According to the Interior Minister, “Baggage scanners are vital tools in the frontline operations of the Narcotics Control Commission, particularly at the airport, where the concealment of narcotics substances has become increasingly sophisticated.”
He warned that the breakdown of these scanners at key locations was undermining Ghana’s ability to prevent drug trafficking. “Unfortunately, the current state of the broken down scanner at the key airport and cargo checkpoint significantly hampers effective narcotics detection and undermines national and international security efforts,” he said.
Attempts to fix the equipment had failed, leading to a decision to replace them. “Past attempts to repair the faulty scanners were unsuccessful due to severe technical challenges and the unavailability of critical components. A cost-benefit analysis determined that procuring new scanners rather than repairing obsolete equipment will be the most efficient and sustainable solution,” he explained.
The Interior Ministry, he said, had made financial allocations to buy new scanners and was also seeking support from international partners.
“Recognising the urgency of this matter, the ministry has made dedicated budgetary provision under the security sector reform programme to procure advanced body and baggage scanners to enhance operations. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission, we are actively engaging both local and international partners to mobilise additional donor support to expedite procurement and deployment,” he said.
But the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, called the situation “unacceptable” and demanded urgent action.
Speaking before Parliament, the Assin South MP said, “The past three to four months, the body scanners for narcotic substances at our ports, at the airport and all the various ports, are broken down so anybody can just walk through and go away with or without substances that are illicit. And that makes it very porous, makes it dangerous.”
He continued, “It’s so urgent that wherever money is, we find it and we procure the scanners for narcotic officials to use them, because I can’t see anything more important at this point in time.”
Rev Ntim Fordjour questioned government spending priorities, saying, “We have 78 million cedis given to government communication. What are they doing with it? When we need money to buy scanners at the airport, at Avianz, where such cargoes pass, where individuals are going out and coming in every now and then.”
He urged government to act swiftly, “If they find the fight against narcotic substances and trafficking as one matter that is so important to the country, then they should prioritise funding and release it as a matter of urgency within next week and get the equipment procured.”
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