Court remands six in custody over €3.9-tonne cocaine seizure at Tema Port

Ghana's drug enforcement efforts have intensified following a major international cocaine interception, with a circuit court in Accra denying bail to six suspects accused of orchestrating the export of nearly four tonnes of cocaine from Tema Port to France.

The Kwabenya Circuit Court on Thursday, September 17, 2026, refused bail for Francis Narh Amanor, Frank Adu-Boahen, Togbe Agbeti, Andrews Tetteh Amponsah, Daniel Laryea and Helena Akua Denkyi. The six are accused of conspiracy to export narcotic drugs, unauthorised exportation of narcotics, and related offences stemming from four shipping containers that allegedly departed Tema Port and were later seized in France containing approximately 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine.

The Shipment and Discovery

Authorities allege that four 40-foot containers — bearing identification numbers SELU4549480, FFAU2242304, MSDU5642699 and SELU4809801 — were scanned at Tema Port before export. Prosecutors claim that scan images displayed abnormalities warranting further physical inspection, yet the containers were cleared and permitted to leave Ghana. The shipment was later intercepted in France, where the alleged cocaine was discovered.

Investigators say Frank Adu-Boahen owned the containers and coordinated loading at a Tema warehouse. According to the charge sheet, he admitted to investigators that he had shipped the goods in partnership with freight forwarder Francis Narh Amanor, Managing Director of Fresna Commodities Ltd. Amanor was arrested on September 15, while Adu-Boahen was apprehended at a Tema residence on September 16.

Customs Process Under Scrutiny

A particularly serious dimension of the case involves four suspects with alleged links to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Prosecutors are investigating whether scanning officials properly reviewed container images and why clearance was granted despite red flags. The prosecution alleges that Frank Adu-Boahen shared his login credentials with other suspects to conduct scan-image analysis, breaching standard protocol requiring that individuals perform their own verification.

The investigation centres on the integrity of Ghana's customs scanning process at Tema Port, one of West Africa's busiest maritime hubs. Authorities are seeking to establish which officials reviewed the images, what abnormalities they observed, and the decision-making process that led to container clearance.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This case exposes potential vulnerabilities in Ghana's port security and customs infrastructure at a time when the country faces mounting pressure from international drug trafficking networks. The involvement of GRA personnel raises questions about institutional controls and staff vetting, threatening Ghana's reputation as a reliable transit point for legitimate cargo and potentially inviting stricter international scrutiny of Ghanaian port operations.

Tema Port handles millions of containers annually and serves as a critical economic gateway. Drug trafficking through official channels undermines legitimate trade, attracts organised crime, and complicates bilateral relations with trading partners. Successful prosecution could signal Ghana's commitment to combating narcotics crimes, whilst failure to hold officials accountable could erode public confidence in state institutions.

The case is adjourned to September 24, 2026, as investigators continue gathering evidence. All six accused remain in custody.