The Ghana Navy has intercepted two wooden boats transporting approximately 4.7 tonnes of substances suspected to be Indian hemp at the Ada Estuary in the Greater Accra Region, in an intelligence led operation valued at more than US$1 million. Corrections Policy
The operation, conducted on Thursday, November 5, 2026, involved the Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and National Security.
According to the Ghana Navy, the intercepted consignment comprised 117 sacks containing dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, with more than 80 parcels packed into each sack.
The estimated street value of the seized substances exceeds US$1 million.
The Navy disclosed that the suspects abandoned the boats and their cargo after noticing that naval personnel were pursuing them.
The individuals subsequently fled the area, leaving the vessels and the suspected narcotics behind.
Preliminary intelligence gathered by the security agencies indicates that the substances were being transported out of Ghana.
However, authorities have not publicly established the intended destination of the consignment or identified the individuals responsible for the attempted transportation.
The seizure represents a significant interception in the country’s ongoing efforts to prevent its coastal areas and inland waterways from being used as routes for illicit drug trafficking.
Navy intensifies surveillance along the Volta Lake
Speaking to the media after the operation, the Director of Naval Operations at Naval Headquarters, Naval Captain Festus Osei Brobbey, explained that the Navy had deployed a riverine detachment to strengthen security along the Volta Lake and surrounding communities.
He said the deployment was intended to deter illegal activities, improve monitoring of the waterway and strengthen the ability of security agencies to respond to suspicious movements.
Captain Brobbey emphasised that sustained surveillance and effective intelligence gathering were essential to identifying and disrupting criminal activities along Ghana’s waterways. Editorial Standards
He also commended residents in the surrounding communities for providing timely information that supported the successful operation.
The involvement of local communities is particularly important because residents who regularly use the waterways may notice unusual movements or activities that could otherwise escape the attention of security personnel.
Ada East authorities call for public cooperation
The District Chief Executive for Ada East and Chairman of the District Security Committee (DISEC), Kenneth Kofi Kabu Kanor, also praised the Ghana Navy and its collaborating security agencies for intercepting the consignment.
He cautioned residents against allowing the Volta Lake to become a transportation corridor for illicit drugs and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Kanor further assured the Navy of the Assembly’s support for security operations within the district and appealed to relevant government ministries and agencies to provide the logistical resources required to strengthen surveillance. Newscard
His appeal highlights the importance of cooperation between local authorities, security institutions and communities in addressing organised criminal activities.
Growing concerns over drug trafficking through Ghana’s waterways
The latest interception adds to a series of narcotics-related operations recorded along the Ada and Volta Lake corridor in 2026.
In March, the Ghana Navy intercepted a canoe carrying 37 sacks of suspected Indian hemp near Goi Beach, south of Sege.
The operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 2,590 parcels of suspected cannabis. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Another interception was reported in September, when Marine Police stopped a canoe at Tuanikopey Island on the River Volta carrying 29 sacks containing 2,213 slabs of suspected Indian hemp.
These incidents have increased attention on the security challenges associated with Ghana’s coastal and inland waterways.
The country’s extensive coastline, estuaries and river networks provide important routes for fishing, transportation and commercial activities.
However, these waterways can also be exploited by individuals seeking to move prohibited substances while avoiding conventional security checkpoints.
The repeated interceptions therefore underline the need for stronger maritime monitoring, improved intelligence sharing and adequate operational resources for security agencies.
What happens next?
The seized substances are expected to undergo further examination to establish their composition and confirm whether they are cannabis or another controlled substance.
NACOC is also expected to support investigations into the origin and intended destination of the consignment.
Identifying those who abandoned the boats will be important in helping authorities uncover the individuals or networks potentially involved in the attempted transportation.
For now, the interception demonstrates the importance of coordinated security operations in protecting Ghana’s waterways against illicit activities. Privacy Policy & Terms
As the Navy continues strengthening its riverine presence, authorities are urging residents to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements.
The seizure of the 4.7-tonne consignment represents a major disruption to an alleged drug transportation operation, although further investigations will be necessary to establish responsibility and bring those involved before the law.