More than 8,500 kilograms of narcotic drugs have been seized, while approximately 45.4 million tramadol tablets have been intercepted over the past 20 months as authorities step up efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse.

Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka disclosed the figures on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the Government Accountability Series, highlighting what he described as increased efforts by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to tackle the illicit drug trade.

According to the Minister, the enforcement campaign has also resulted in 217 arrests, with 165 cases prosecuted within the period.

He said the large quantity of tramadol intercepted was particularly concerning given the increasing use of synthetic and pharmaceutical drugs among young people.

“Narcotics Control has intensified its efforts, and imagine that in less than two years, over 45 million tablets of tramadol were seized and intercepted,” Mr Muntaka said.

Beyond the seizure of narcotics, the government is also targeting the financial networks and assets allegedly linked to drug trafficking.

Mr Muntaka revealed that 73 assets had been recovered as part of investigations into suspected drug-related activities.

Authorities have also seized about 19 kilograms of gold in cases involving suspected drug-related money laundering.

In addition, approximately GH¢6.9 million and US$440,000 in cash believed to be connected to suspected narcotics activities have been seized.

The measures form part of efforts to prevent suspected traffickers from benefiting financially from the illegal drug trade.

The Interior Minister said enforcement alone would not be enough to address the country’s drug problem, stressing the importance of prevention and public education.

He disclosed that NACOC had conducted more than 2,000 educational sessions across the country to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.

The programmes have targeted a wide range of groups and institutions, including schools, tertiary institutions, religious organisations, communities and workplaces.

The breakdown includes 1,153 sessions at the basic school level, 185 at secondary schools and 41 at tertiary institutions.

NACOC also organised 187 sessions in faith-based institutions, 147 in communities and 235 in workplaces.

Despite the progress in enforcement and education, Mr Muntaka identified rehabilitation as a significant weakness in Ghana’s response to substance abuse.

He noted that Ghana currently does not have a state-owned rehabilitation centre, creating a major gap in efforts to support people struggling with drug dependency.

The Minister’s disclosure underscores the growing scale of Ghana’s narcotics challenge, with authorities combining arrests and seizures with financial investigations, public education and calls for stronger rehabilitation support.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed has disclosed that Ghana removed 2,281 migrant beggars and 774 other illegal immigrants linked to transnational organised crime in 2025.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, August 24, 2026, Mr Muntaka said the Ghana Immigration Service had intensified efforts to address irregular migration and unlawful activities involving foreign nationals.

“By the end of 2025, the Ghana Immigration Service had 2,281 migrant beggars on our streets and 774 other illegal immigrants involved in transnational organised crime that had been removed from Ghana,” he stated.

He added that the enforcement exercise had continued into 2026, with 960 migrant beggars removed from the streets of Accra and Kumasi as of July. During the same period, another 186 illegal immigrants were also removed from the country.

The Interior Minister said the government was carrying out the removals while taking into account Ghana’s obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, as well as the country’s diplomatic relations and longstanding ties with other nations.

“We are pursuing this removal fully conscious of Ghana’s obligation under the ECOWAS Protocol on free movement of persons as well as the diplomatic relations and long-standing ties we and other countries have,” Mr Muntaka said.

He explained that the government’s goal was to reduce irregular migration and unlawful activities associated with it while ensuring that enforcement operations were conducted within the law and with respect for human dignity.

“Our objective is to reduce irregular migration and unlawful activities associated with it to the barest minimum, while ensuring that enforcement actions are lawful, undertaken by the appropriate authorities and carried out in a manner that is respectful of human dignity,” he said.

Mr Muntaka also dismissed suggestions that the government lacked the political will, security intelligence or leadership to tackle irregular migration.

According to him, the major challenge was the level of skills and operational capacity available to effectively deal with the situation.

“Let me be clear that the challenge before us is not a lack of political will, security, intelligence or leadership. It is principally a question of skill,” he stated.

He assured the public that government had reached a high-level consensus to provide the necessary logistical support to strengthen the relevant agencies and expand the scale of migration enforcement.

“And I can assure the public that there is a high-level consensus that with earmarked logistical support to increase the scale of the removals and strengthen our bodies, evidence of that will soon be apparent,” he added.

The Interior Minister said Ghana would continue to uphold its tradition of hospitality while maintaining a firm stance on national security, public order and respect for the rule of law.

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, appears to have adopted a more restrained position over his earlier threat to pursue legal action against Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, following allegations made against him.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had earlier indicated in a Facebook post that he would seek legal remedies over what he described as defamatory attacks, including allegations portraying him as an “extortionist”.

However, less than 24 hours after that warning, the Effutu Member of Parliament declined to definitively state that he would take Mr Gyamfi to court.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday evening, August 23, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would rely on statements he had already made and urged the public not to rush him into taking further action.

“I have made certain statements. I would rely on them without more. Don’t rush. In the Bible, Jesus was accused of wild allegations. He kept quiet and watched them. He could have done anything,” he said.

According to the Minority Leader, his position as a senior political figure requires him to exercise restraint and avoid responding emotionally to attacks.

He said Ghanaians expected a certain level of maturity from him, particularly because of the responsibilities attached to his office and his leadership role within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“But you see, when you are dealing with situations, the people of Ghana expect a certain level of maturity from me. The people of Ghana see that this is an accomplished businessman. He’s been in the space for some time. He’s leading a group. The tradition of the party NPP that I lead expects a certain level of conduct,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would not allow himself to be distracted by what he believes could be a deliberate political strategy to shift attention away from the substantive questions surrounding the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) and reported losses linked to the initiative.

“So if I were carried away with emotions, I would fail. It’s not an emotional game. It’s not a game where somebody attacks you, and you should also react. No, you won’t get it,” he said.

“There is always bait in politics, and don’t underestimate it. Opponents also have a strategy,” he added.

The Minority Leader further suggested that the allegations against him could be part of an attempt to divert public attention from the issues the Minority Caucus has raised about the government’s gold purchase programme and GoldBod’s involvement in the transactions.

“I was a majority leader. I know how government operates. I know how government can divert attention. So I’ve been there. Because the government must hold itself together, so it can be thrown in today’s social media. Let’s divert attention. Let’s stain the man,” he explained.

Afenyo-Markin says political attacks come with the job

Mr Afenyo-Markin also placed the controversy within the broader realities of opposition politics, saying he would not be the first Minority Leader to face intense political pressure or personal attacks.

He cited the experience of current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who faced criminal proceedings while serving in opposition.

“In opposition, like I said, was Ato Forson not in court? Was his not worse than my situation? Do you get what I mean?” he asked.

Despite the attacks, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he remained committed to the mandate given to him by the NPP and would continue to scrutinise the government.

“So, as for this game, I want to assure the party that the mandate they gave me, God willing, that mandate will be discharged. We will work hard. The people of Ghana expect us to do nothing less. They expect us as a minority to be forthright, to work hard, to hold the feet of government to the fire, we will do that,” he said.

He acknowledged that political opponents had the right to disagree with him and criticise his actions but maintained that such criticism should not cross the line into what he described as excessive or unacceptable language.

“You know, we are in a political environment; people are free to oppose or disagree. But what the political environment cannot tolerate is the excesses there too. I have become aware of certain unacceptable language being put out there,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin added that he and members of the Minority Caucus had already taken steps in response to the allegations but would not allow the controversy to distract them from their parliamentary duties.

“I believe that I’ve taken appropriate steps together with my colleagues in the caucus, and we don’t want to fall into any bait of diversion,” he said.

He insisted that the Minority’s concerns about the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme were not simply partisan attacks but were intended to draw attention to an issue of national importance.

“This is an important national issue. It is not a partisan call. It is a patriotic call being made by a vigilant minority, however few our numbers,” he said.

Minority pushes ahead with GoldBod losses inquiry

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority Caucus would continue with its plans to seek a parliamentary inquiry into the reported losses associated with the gold purchase programme.

“We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion,” he stated.

He said he was prepared for the political consequences of his position, including personal attacks, and was not surprised by the pressure accompanying his role as Minority Leader.

“Look, I won’t be the first minority leader to suffer attacks,” he said.

He recounted a conversation with a colleague about the challenges faced by opposition leaders in other countries, noting that some minority leaders had faced arrest, imprisonment or investigations by state institutions.

“And I said, oh, sir, in other jurisdictions, minority leaders have been arrested. They are in jail. In other jurisdictions, minority leaders are made to report to investigative agencies all the time,” he recounted.

Mr Afenyo-Markin again referred to Dr Ato Forson’s experience while serving as Minority Leader under the previous administration.

“In any event, you remember, even my good friend, Ato Forson, was facing charges in court, and NDC appointed him minority leader. He was attending court two times, three times,” he said.

He stressed that he was fully aware of the responsibilities and pressures associated with his position when he accepted the role.

“So, I’m very clear on my mind. The very day I took this job, I knew the weight of it. Everything is on me. I’m ready to live up to the task. I rely on my God, and I thank the party for the support,” he stated.

Motion to be considered as Parliament resumes

Mr Afenyo-Markin said his immediate focus was on securing parliamentary approval for the Minority’s motion seeking an inquiry into the reported GoldBod losses.

Parliament was scheduled to resume on Monday, August 24, and he expressed hope that the motion would be admitted and subsequently referred to an ad hoc committee.

“All other things that will come, we will deal with it. Tomorrow we are resuming; we pray that the motion will be admitted. We argue, set up the ad hoc committee so that within the period of break, at least there will be a hearing so that by October before we read the 2027 budget,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the committee would complete its work before consideration of the 2027 Budget, allowing its findings to inform the national debate.

“I hope by that time the report will be ready, and once it is ready, the good people of Ghana will see,” he added.

The Minority Leader also called for the proceedings of the proposed inquiry to be broadcast live, saying the public should have direct access to the committee’s hearings.

“But I pray for a live broadcast of the hearing. We expect that once the motion is carried, there will be a full public hearing of these GoldBod losses,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin’s latest comments represent a notable shift from his earlier declaration that he would pursue legal remedies over the allegations made against him.

Rather than committing himself to court action, he has now emphasised restraint, political maturity and a determination not to be distracted from the Minority’s broader scrutiny of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.

For now, his attention appears to be firmly focused on Parliament and the proposed inquiry into the reported GoldBod losses, with the Minority Leader signalling that any further response to the allegations will not be allowed to overshadow what he considers a matter of national interest.

IMANI Center for Policy & Education has raised concerns over the Ghana Standards Authority’s decision to restrict the importation of used vehicles that are more than 15 years old, arguing that vehicle safety should be determined primarily by roadworthiness and condition rather than age.

The policy, expected to take effect from October 1 under the GS 4510:2022 conformity regime, has sparked debate over its legal basis, economic impact and implications for consumers and businesses within Ghana’s automotive sector.

IMANI said it supports stronger measures to prevent dangerous vehicles from entering the country, particularly vehicles that have been severely damaged by floods, fire or accidents, as well as those with compromised structural integrity.

However, the policy think tank questioned whether a blanket age restriction is the most effective way to achieve that objective.

According to IMANI, a vehicle that is 16 years old but has been properly maintained, has a sound chassis, functioning safety systems, good brakes and meets applicable emissions requirements should not automatically be classified as unsafe simply because of its age.

It argued that a newer vehicle could equally pose a greater danger if it has been poorly maintained, improperly repaired or structurally damaged.

The organisation therefore believes the focus should be on identifying actual safety defects rather than using the age of a vehicle as the decisive factor.

“Are we regulating danger or regulating birthdays?” IMANI asked, stressing that safety regulations should distinguish between genuinely hazardous vehicles and older vehicles that remain mechanically and structurally sound.

IMANI also questioned the legal foundation for the proposed restriction, pointing to the Customs (Amendment) Act, 2020, Act 1014.

The organisation noted that Section 154(3) of the Act gives the Finance Minister, in consultation with the Trade Minister, the authority to specify by Legislative Instrument when vehicles above a particular age may no longer be imported.

IMANI argued that if the government is now operating with a 15-year threshold, the relevant Legislative Instrument and the legal connection between the legislation and the GSA’s new rule should be clearly identified.

It maintained that an administrative announcement or policy presentation cannot replace subsidiary legislation required under an Act of Parliament.

The policy think tank also warned that the restriction could have significant consequences for businesses and workers across Ghana’s used vehicle industry.

The sector involves importers, clearing agents, mechanics, spare-parts dealers, transport operators, tyre sellers, auto electricians, bodywork specialists and other businesses that depend on the movement and maintenance of used vehicles.

IMANI cited concerns raised by the Vehicle and Assets Dealers Union of Ghana, whose President General, Bernard Ntrakwah, has expressed support for efforts by the GSA to sanitise the vehicle market and prevent unsafe cars from entering Ghana.

However, the union has raised reservations about a blanket 15-year prohibition and its possible effects on dealers, consumers and businesses connected to the automotive value chain.

IMANI said these concerns should not simply be dismissed as commercial interests seeking to protect profits.

The organisation further questioned how the policy would affect ordinary Ghanaians who rely on relatively inexpensive used vehicles.

According to IMANI, removing older vehicles from the market could reduce the supply of cheaper cars and make vehicle ownership more difficult for consumers who cannot afford newer models.

It warned that consumers do not automatically become wealthier when government raises the minimum age or standard for imported vehicles.

Instead, people who cannot afford newer cars may continue using vehicles they already own for longer periods.

IMANI said this could create an unintended consequence in which a policy intended to modernise Ghana’s vehicle fleet could encourage some motorists to keep much older vehicles on the road because replacement costs have become unaffordable.

IMANI also acknowledged the importance of supporting Ghana’s domestic automotive assembly industry but argued that such support should be based on measurable economic benefits.

It called for greater transparency on the number of vehicles assembled locally, the jobs created, the level of local content in assembled vehicles and the value of tax incentives provided to vehicle assemblers.

The organisation said these benefits should be compared with the potential loss of Customs revenue, businesses and employment across the used vehicle sector.

It argued that protecting local assembly should not automatically mean weakening competition or imposing costs on consumers without clear evidence of the wider economic gains.

IMANI also raised concerns about the implementation of the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) system.

Under the arrangement, importers may be required to obtain certification from approved inspection companies before vehicles are shipped to Ghana.

IMANI said government should provide clarity on the companies responsible for inspections, how they were selected, the fees they charge, the mechanisms for auditing their operations and the process available to importers who want to challenge an inspection decision.

The organisation warned that mandatory certification could create additional costs for importers if the system is not sufficiently transparent and accountable.

Despite its opposition to what it considers a blanket age-based restriction, IMANI stressed that it is not against tighter vehicle safety regulations.

It said Ghana should continue to prevent the importation of flood-damaged vehicles, fire-damaged wrecks and cars with compromised chassis or fraudulent structural modifications.

It also advocated stronger verification of vehicle histories, tougher emissions requirements and rigorous roadworthiness inspections.

However, IMANI maintained that an older vehicle that passes comprehensive structural, mechanical, emissions and history checks should not automatically be rejected solely because of its age.

The organisation argued that the government should develop a regulatory framework that targets genuine safety risks while protecting consumers and legitimate businesses.

IMANI said Ghana should not be forced to choose between becoming a dumping ground for unsafe vehicles and making vehicle ownership unaffordable for ordinary citizens.

It called for a balanced approach that considers the legality of the restriction, the evidence supporting it, its economic consequences and the burden it places on consumers.

For IMANI, the fundamental principle should be straightforward: “A good vehicle policy should punish defects, not dates.”

The organisation said the government must demonstrate why age alone should determine whether an otherwise roadworthy vehicle is allowed into Ghana.

It therefore returned to its central question: if a vehicle is mechanically sound, structurally safe, emissions compliant and properly maintained, should it be rejected solely because it has crossed the 15-year threshold?

For IMANI, the answer requires government to demonstrate that the policy is not merely regulating the age of vehicles, but is genuinely addressing the safety risks associated with vehicle imports.

Source: IMANI

The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old man, identified as Gyamfi Christian, in connection with a suspected fake gold syndicate operating in the Berekum Municipality.

According to the Police, the suspect was arrested following intelligence-led investigations into a GH¢1.1 million gold fraud case reported by a 29-year-old gold aggregator, Christopher Awuni.

The Police said Awuni reported that, in July 2026, four men posing as genuine gold sellers sold him 110 troy ounces of gold for GH¢1.1 million.

However, the gold was subsequently tested and found to be fake. The suspected counterfeit gold has since been retained by the Police as an exhibit.

The Bono Regional Police Command said sustained intelligence gathering led to the arrest of Gyamfi Christian at his hideout in Wamfie in the Dormaa East District on August 17, 2026.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted his involvement in the transaction and disclosed to investigators that the deal took place at Drobo in the Jaman South Municipality.

Police investigations further indicate that Christian identified three other alleged members of the group.

They are Abraham, alias “Frenchman,” who is alleged to be the leader of the group, as well as Isaac Antwi and Balthazar.

The three alleged accomplices are currently at large, with the Police continuing efforts to locate and arrest them.

The Police said preliminary investigations have also uncovered another alleged fraud linked to the same group.

According to the Bono Regional Police Command, the group is suspected to have defrauded another victim of approximately GH¢1.4 million in a separate transaction at Drobo earlier this year.

The development has widened the scope of the investigation as detectives work to establish the full extent of the suspected fake gold operation.

Gyamfi Christian remains in Police custody and is assisting with investigations while the Police pursue the other suspects.

The Bono Regional Police Command has meanwhile urged members of the public, particularly those involved in gold transactions, to exercise extreme caution when dealing with individuals presenting themselves as gold sellers.

The Command advised prospective buyers to properly verify gold before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the Police.

“The Bono Regional Police Command urges the public to exercise caution when engaging in gold transactions and report suspicious activities to the Police,” the Police said.

The arrest comes amid continued concerns over fraud involving Ghana’s gold trade, where unsuspecting buyers can suffer substantial financial losses when transactions are conducted without proper verification.

The Police say investigations remain ongoing as efforts continue to apprehend the three alleged accomplices who are currently at large.