The government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit drug trafficking following the largest opioid drug bust at Tema Port, valued at approximately GH¢20 million.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for individuals behind the smuggling operation, as investigations reveal Ghanas growing role as a major transit hub for opioids in West Africa.
The joint operation, led by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Narcotics Control Commission, the National Security, the National Intelligence Bureau, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, resulted in the seizure of five different types of opioid drugs.
Read also: Opioids worth GH?20m intercepted at Tema Port en route to Niger
The operation follows a recent BBC Africa Eye investigation that exposed the export of unapproved opioid-containing drugs to various West African countries, including Ghana.
The Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who was present at the scene, assured the public of the governments determination to combat the threat posed by opioid trafficking.
He stated that while the responsible agencies were performing their duties diligently, addressing the issue requires strong political will and high-level cooperation.
“We have the Narcotics Control Commission, the FDA, and customs all working together. They are all cooperating, except that it needs that political drive. They cannot call for a press conference.
"If the FDA will talk, they will seek clearance from their minister or any higher authority. So, it does not mean they were sleeping on the job, but I can agree that this incident has awakened all of us to develop more interest,” Mr Akandoh stated.
The minister revealed that President John Mahama has taken a keen interest in the matter, personally calling for updates and engaging his counterparts in the sub-region to address the growing opioid crisis.
"The President himself called for a meeting on this matter. As I have already indicated on my way here, he is already calling for updates, and he is already engaged his colleague heads of state in the sub-region on this particular matter. So it is an issue we are very serious about," he added.
Despite the crackdown, Mr Akandoh assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to facilitating trade, while also ensuring national security is not compromised.
“It does not mean that we do not want to facilitate trade. Therefore, henceforth we will be very keen on transit goods, and nobody should misconstrue it to be anti-facilitation of trade. It is in the interest of the nation,” he explained.
