Ghana's ports lack tech to stop drug trafficking, says democracy advocate

Ghana's ports are vulnerable to exploitation by drug traffickers due to inadequate monitoring technology and equipment, according to Constitutional Rights and Policy Strategy Advisor at Democracy Hub Oliver Barker-Vormawor. His stark warning comes amid investigations into how nearly 4 tonnes of suspected cocaine passed through Tema Port undetected before being seized by French authorities.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile, Barker-Vormawor stressed that Ghana must acknowledge its limitations in port security infrastructure. "We do not have the capacities to effectively monitor our port," he said. "The technical machines, the equipment that we need to do that kind of work does not exist."

The challenge extends beyond staffing levels. Barker-Vormawor emphasised that effective port monitoring requires sophisticated technology including imaging equipment and surveillance systems capable of detecting concealed cargo within the thousands of containers that transit Ghana's ports annually. Without such systems, authorities cannot develop a comprehensive understanding of what goods actually pass through the country's maritime gateways.

The security risk

Illicit traders are acutely aware of weaknesses in port and transport systems across developing nations and actively seek to exploit them, Barker-Vormawor warned. Once vulnerabilities are identified within Ghana's infrastructure, criminal networks will pursue every avenue to take advantage. The recent cocaine seizure in France—where a container declared as plastic waste concealed the drugs—illustrates exactly how such exploitation occurs.

The incident has cast particular scrutiny on Ghana's customs procedures. Four individuals allegedly linked to the Ghana Revenue Authority face questions about their handling of scanning procedures at Tema Port, raising concerns about both technical gaps and potential internal collusion in the smuggling operation.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana's reputation as a transit hub for illicit goods poses serious consequences. International trade partners view countries with weak port security as higher-risk markets, potentially affecting legitimate business and investment. The €225 million street value of the seized cocaine underscores the scale of criminal operations targeting West African ports.

More critically, drug trafficking through Ghana's ports generates proceeds that fund organised crime networks across the region, destabilising communities and fuelling violence. The discovery that GRA officials may have been involved raises questions about institutional capacity and integrity within customs enforcement.

Addressing the problem, Barker-Vormawor argued, requires far more than hiring additional port inspectors. Ghana must conduct a comprehensive assessment of vulnerabilities within its port systems and invest in technology infrastructure. This includes advanced scanning equipment, surveillance cameras, and imaging systems that can detect concealed goods and provide authorities with clear visibility of container contents.

The government must also strengthen internal oversight mechanisms to prevent corruption and ensure that customs personnel operate with proper checks and balances. Without urgent investment in both technology and institutional reform, Ghana's ports will remain an attractive target for international drug smuggling networks seeking to exploit Africa's developing infrastructure.