Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has disclosed that Australia and France are becoming hesitant to share sensitive intelligence with Ghanaian security agencies over concerns about possible insider leaks and the alleged involvement of officials in criminal activities.
The Minister warned that such concerns could damage trust between Ghana and its international security partners, potentially affecting the country’s ability to obtain timely intelligence needed to combat organised crime and cross-border drug trafficking. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Muntaka made the remarks on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a training programme for members of Regional Security Councils and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives on Ghana’s security and intelligence framework.
The programme focused, among other issues, on the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026 (Act 1168), and the need for stronger coordination and professionalism within the country’s security architecture.
According to the Interior Minister, foreign counterparts are increasingly concerned about whether intelligence shared with Ghanaian authorities will remain confidential or be accessed by individuals allegedly connected to criminal networks.
“And now our counterparts abroad are even beginning to doubt to give us information because they trace it to an insider,” Muntaka said.
He questioned whether foreign agencies could confidently share information while their own investigations were still ongoing, particularly if they were uncertain about who within Ghana’s security system might have access to the intelligence.
“So, they don’t know whether the insider, the Minister is part of it or the coordinator is part of it and now you are asking them to give you information, meanwhile they have not finished with their investigation. Will the information be secured? Or it will also be abused?” he asked.
Alleged Insider Involvement
Muntaka said the situation was worrying because some individuals entrusted with sensitive responsibilities within Ghana’s security institutions were allegedly using their positions to assist criminal activities.
“It is sad that even the recent case we are hearing, you hear it is insiders aiding and abetting criminals,” he stated.
He explained that personnel assigned to sensitive roles are normally subjected to background checks, screening and specialised training before being given access to confidential information or operational responsibilities. Corrections Policy
However, he expressed concern that some officers could later misuse the trust placed in them for personal gain or to support criminal networks.
“Before you are taken to do certain role, even your background will be checked and screened subject with that position. Now, when you sit and when you are comfortable, you are trading with that position and when the thing comes, it comes the Government, the Minister, the Coordinator,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the very person that has been trained and trusted with that responsibility is now trading with it,” he added.
The Minister’s comments reflect the wider security challenge of ensuring that intelligence is protected not only through technology and procedures but also through the integrity and accountability of personnel who handle sensitive information.
Cocaine Seizure in France
Muntaka’s concerns come amid investigations into the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French customs authorities at the port of Dunkirk.
The consignment, which reportedly arrived from Ghana, was concealed in a container carrying plastic waste. French authorities intercepted the shipment on September 10, 2026, with part of the cargo reportedly destined for Antwerp, Belgium. The seizure has triggered questions about how the container passed through Ghana’s export and security-control systems.
The French seizure follows an earlier major narcotics case involving approximately 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine allegedly concealed in a charcoal shipment from Ghana and intercepted by Australian authorities.
In July, Muntaka told a parliamentary committee that preliminary investigations into the Australian case had allegedly implicated some government officials suspected of facilitating the concealment or movement of the drugs. He stressed at the time that investigations were ongoing and that not all details could be disclosed. Editorial Standards
Referencing the two cases, Muntaka said Australia and France were showing signs of reluctance to share intelligence with Ghana because of concerns about possible insider involvement.
“So, the situation that we have with the Australians is here, you see they are dragging their feet. Now, we have one with the France, the same,” he said.
He disclosed that he was scheduled to meet the French Ambassador to discuss the issue and explore ways to strengthen cooperation between Ghana and France.
Warning Against Politicising Security Operations
The Interior Minister also criticised attempts to introduce partisan politics into security operations, warning that such conduct could weaken public confidence and interfere with investigations.
“When you go in to arrest some of them, then they begin to say because I am NPP, because I am NDC. We try to even politicise the security services?” he asked. Newscard
Muntaka urged stakeholders to prioritise national security and professional responsibility over political affiliations. He warned that suspected offenders should not be shielded or treated differently because of their political connections.
He stressed that Ghana must address alleged insider involvement and improve accountability if it is to rebuild confidence among international partners.
“If we don’t change this attitude, there is no way we are going to get angels coming from the sky to come and solve this problem for us,” the Minister said.
The comments place renewed attention on the need for stronger internal oversight, secure intelligence-handling procedures and transparent investigations.
While allegations of insider involvement remain subject to investigation, the Minister’s warning underscores the potential consequences for Ghana’s international security cooperation if foreign partners lose confidence in the protection of shared intelligence.