Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of Ghana’s airport security systems following reports that cocaine was successfully smuggled out of the country despite heightened security checks at the airport.
A commentator has questioned how the substance could have passed through the security procedures currently in place, describing the development as disappointing and calling for greater accountability from institutions responsible for combating narcotics trafficking.
The concerns follow reports of a successful cocaine smuggling operation, which have prompted questions about the effectiveness of existing screening and enforcement measures.
The commentator criticised the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), arguing that the agency had failed in its responsibility to prevent the substance from leaving the country.
The commentator also described as embarrassing a statement by NACOC that appeared to acknowledge the role of Lebanese authorities in the matter, insisting that Ghanaian institutions should take responsibility for the effectiveness of their own systems.
The commentator said the level of scrutiny and security checks at the airport had become increasingly noticeable, with passengers subjected to several checks before reaching the check-in area.
Against that backdrop, the reported smuggling incident has raised questions about possible gaps in the country’s airport security arrangements and the performance of agencies mandated to enforce drug control measures.
The commentator called for serious questions to be asked about how the cocaine passed through the system and whether the relevant security institutions had fulfilled their responsibilities.
The concerns have renewed attention on the need for effective coordination, accountability and stronger enforcement to prevent Ghana’s airports from being used as routes for illicit drug trafficking.
