President John Dramani Mahama has directed security agencies to submit a comprehensive report within two weeks to harmonize operations at the country’s ports, as part of sweeping reforms to tighten security and improve efficiency.
The directive was issued on Wednesday, September 17, during a high-level meeting at the Presidency involving key stakeholders in narcotics control, national security, and the transportation sector.
A source at the meeting told 3news’ Komla Klutse that the President expressed concern about fragmented operations, duplication of roles, and gaps in security coordination at the ports, which have in recent times raised concerns about drug trafficking and revenue leakages.
“The President has given all security and regulatory agencies operating at the ports two weeks to submit a comprehensive framework that will ensure smooth, coordinated, and accountable operations,” the source said.
Joint Taskforce and NACOC Return
As part of the reforms, government has announced plans to establish a Joint Taskforce to regulate all operations at the ports. The taskforce will be mandated to streamline inspections, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enforce compliance.
In a major policy reversal, the President has also ordered the restoration of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to the Joint Container Inspection regime at the ports.
NACOC was removed from joint inspections in 2018 through a Cabinet memo, a decision which security analysts have since blamed for weakening the country’s ability to intercept narcotic substances and other contraband concealed in containers.
“NACOC will be restored to its rightful place in the joint inspection process. You cannot fight narcotics if the lead anti-narcotics agency is taken out of the port,” a senior government official who attended the meeting said.
Government to Re-tool Agencies
The President further assured that government will equip and resource all relevant agencies to enable them to perform their statutory roles effectively at the ports.
“The era where agencies complain about lack of scanners, logistics and personnel to execute their mandate is over. Government will equip the relevant agencies, but they must also deliver results and work together,” the official quoted the President as saying.
Background
Ghana’s ports, particularly the Tema and Takoradi ports, remain critical gateways for trade, handling over 80% of the country’s import and export cargo. However, they have faced persistent challenges including congestion, overlapping agency functions, and allegations of drug trafficking.
In 2018, government introduced reforms that reduced the number of agencies operating at the ports from over 20 to 3 — Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and Ghana Standards Authority — to improve the ease of doing business. While the move improved clearance times, critics argued it compromised security screening.
The restoration of NACOC and the proposed Joint Taskforce signals a shift towards balancing trade facilitation with national security.
