Security analyst Adib Saani has charged Ghana’s security heads to move beyond reactive enforcement and adopt intelligence-driven measures to curb drug trafficking through the country’s borders.
His comments follow government’s decision to establish an inter-agency task force and formulate a comprehensive roadmap aimed at securing entry points. The move coincides with the recent arrest of 10 suspects—including four Customs officers—in connection with drug trafficking attempts.
Reacting to the developments, the Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building welcomed the President’s intervention, noting that while setting up a task force is a necessary step, accountability must extend beyond seizing illegal cargo to penalising lapses within state institutions.
“The decision to establish an inter-agency task force and develop a roadmap to prevent drug trafficking through Ghana’s borders is a necessary step. The arrest of 10 persons, including four Customs officers, also signals that accountability cannot stop at the seizure of consignments,” Mr Saani stated.
He stressed that security agencies must anticipate threats rather than merely responding after vulnerabilities are exposed.
“Security chiefs must be accountable not only for what happens under their watch, but also for how early they detect and respond to emerging threats. Intelligence-led prevention must replace reactive firefighting,” he remarked.
Highlighting the pivotal role of central coordination, Mr Saani specifically called on the National Security Coordinator to intensify operational oversight across all border security agencies.
“The National Security Coordinator, in particular, must raise the tempo, anticipate threats and ensure that the security architecture is working as one. Ghana cannot afford to keep discovering serious security vulnerabilities after the damage has been done,” he added.
Mr Saani concluded that executive directive alone will not suffice unless agency leadership delivers concrete results.
“The President has given the direction. Now, the security chiefs must deliver, and be prepared to account for the gaps,” he stated.
Below is the full statement
The President has listened
The decision to establish an inter-agency task force and develop a roadmap to prevent drug trafficking through Ghana’s borders is a necessary step. The arrest of 10 persons, including four Customs officers, also signals that accountability cannot stop at the seizure of consignments.
But let’s be clear: security chiefs must be accountable not only for what happens under their watch, but also for how early they detect and respond to emerging threats. Intelligence-led prevention must replace reactive firefighting.
The National Security Coordinator, in particular, must raise the tempo, anticipate threats and ensure that the security architecture is working as one. Ghana cannot afford to keep discovering serious security vulnerabilities after the damage has been done.
The President has given the direction. Now, the security chiefs must deliver, and be prepared to account for the gaps.
SGN
Adib Saani
Jatikay Centre
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana