The Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has disclosed that the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) is currently relying on sniffer dogs at the Kotoka International Airport and other key ports across the country to detect narcotic substances due to the breakdown of narcotic detection scanners.

Responding to questions on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 10, the minister explained that while the use of scanners would have been ideal, delays in procurement processes have made it necessary to deploy sniffer dogs in the interim.

“So, yes, I know that having the scanner would have been an excellent one, but because of this challenge, and having to go through the procurement process, which is delaying, we are currently using sniffer dogs to enhance the tracking and search for possible drugs at the airports,” he explained.

According to him, the government is committed to acquiring new scanners to bolster the country’s fight against drug trafficking.

“As soon as funds are available, we will make sure that we procure narcotic detection scanners because it is so important not just for narcotic cases, but for all other cases like people smuggling gold and other items,” he stated.

The minister’s comments came in response to concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, who expressed worry over the potential of Ghana’s ports becoming transit points for narcotics due to the broken-down scanners.

Muntaka emphasised the importance of scanners, noting that body and baggage scanners are vital tools for NACOC officers, especially at airports, where the concealment of narcotics has become more advanced.

He explained that attempts to repair the existing scanners were unsuccessful due to severe technical issues and the unavailability of essential components.

A cost-benefit analysis conducted by the ministry concluded that procuring new scanners, embedded with advanced technology, would be more efficient and sustainable.

“Mr Speaker, recognising the urgency of this matter, the ministry has made dedicated budgetary provision under the security sector retooling programme to procure advanced body and baggage scanners.

“These scanners are essential not only for improving the ability of the NACOC to detect and intercept illicit drugs, but also for aligning Ghana’s counter-narcotic efforts with international best practice in airport security and trade facilitation,” he added.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the situation urgently to prevent Ghana’s airports from being exploited by international drug traffickers.

AS/AE

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