The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) is urging the government to take immediate steps to strengthen security at Ghana’s ports and airports, citing concerns about vulnerabilities that could be exploited by international narcotics trafficking networks.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Prof. Isaac Boadi, the research institution said repeated incidents involving large quantities of narcotics intercepted within domestic trade channels or at international destinations after originating from local ports raise questions about the effectiveness of current border controls.
IERPP said the issue goes beyond drug trafficking, arguing that weaknesses in port security could have broader consequences for Ghana’s trade reputation, economic stability and national security.
According to the institute, Ghana’s ports play a central role in the country’s trade economy, making effective security measures essential to maintaining confidence among international trading partners and investors.
IERPP warned that recurring narcotics-related incidents could lead to increased scrutiny of cargo originating from Ghana, potentially causing longer inspection times, higher freight costs and additional compliance requirements for legitimate exporters.
The institute also expressed concern about the possible economic impact of illicit financial flows linked to drug trafficking, including money laundering and the growth of an underground economy.
It further noted that security breaches involving cargo handling, surveillance systems or possible insider cooperation could create vulnerabilities that go beyond narcotics trafficking.
IERPP is calling on the government, the Ministry of National Security, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to urgently review security arrangements at Ghana’s maritime and aviation entry points.
Among its recommendations, the institute is calling for:
An immediate audit of port security infrastructure, including the introduction of stronger cargo-scanning and monitoring systems.
Updated cargo-risk profiling systems, along with greater use of real-time intelligence to identify suspicious shipments.
Better coordination among border and security agencies to tackle what IERPP describes as institutional and operational silos.
Greater transparency in investigations into alleged border-security failures, together with periodic reporting on anti-narcotics enforcement.
Stronger protection for whistleblowers and port personnel who report corruption or weaknesses in security systems.
IERPP also urged law-enforcement authorities to look beyond the arrest of couriers and other lower-level actors involved in drug trafficking.
The institute said investigations should focus on identifying the financiers and senior organisers behind trafficking networks, as well as individuals who may be facilitating illicit operations.
IERPP specifically called for the identification and prosecution of what it described as “true financiers, political enablers, and high-level syndicate leaders,” subject to evidence and due process.
