Africa Centre for Security demands answers over major cocaine seizures

The Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism (ACSC) is urging the government to update the public on cocaine seizures from early 2025.

In a press release on May 5, the centre called for immediate briefings. They want accountability from state institutions regarding these cases.

Ghana’s security agencies intercepted two major drug shipments. One was a $350 million cocaine bust by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). The other seizure was worth $150 million on the Takoradi-Cape Coast Highway.

Concerns also arose over suspicious aircraft landings at Kotoka International Airport. This led to a presidential committee investigation.

While these seizures were initially welcomed, ACSC expressed worry about the lack of updates. “Two months have passed without news on prosecutions or secure storage,” they stated.

The centre questioned where suspects from the $350 million case are now. They also asked about prosecution status and how securely the seized cocaine is stored.

Additionally, ACSC wants to know what the Kotoka Airport committee found. They are concerned why its findings remain unpublished and what safeguards exist against evidence tampering.

“These questions matter,” warned the centre. Ghana's role as a drug transit point threatens democracy through corruption and weak accountability.

The ACSC called for public updates on all first-quarter drug cases. They seek independent verification of seized substances and stronger parliamentary oversight. Transparency in court proceedings is also essential, along with prompt publication of the Kotoka Airport report.

“When a democratic government becomes opaque about national issues,” they concluded, “citizens may question if state institutions enable smugglers.”