The Ghana Navy has intercepted two wooden boats carrying 4.8 tonnes of suspected marijuana with an estimated street value of more than US$1 million in an intelligence-led operation at the Volta Lake estuary in Ada, Greater Accra Region.
The consignment, packed in 117 sacks, was allegedly being prepared for transportation to Nigeria when personnel of the Riverine Command of the Ghana Navy intercepted the boats at about 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The boats were found concealed along the banks of the river near the estuary, but the suspected traffickers fled and abandoned the vessels after sighting the approaching naval patrol team.
Addressing the media, the Director of Naval Operations at the Naval Headquarters, Naval Captain Festus Osei-Brobbey, said the abandoned boats were moved to Ada Foah, where they were searched at about 5:00 a.m. in the presence of officials from the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC).
He said the search uncovered 117 sacks containing approximately 80 packs of suspected marijuana each, bringing the total estimated weight of the consignment to 4.8 tonnes.
The suspected narcotics have since been handed over to NACOC for laboratory examination and further investigation.
Naval Captain Osei-Brobbey described the seizure as one of the biggest marijuana interceptions by the Navy in recent times, comparing it to an earlier operation in July during which about 60 sacks of suspected marijuana were intercepted.
He said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to combating illicit activities within Ghana’s maritime domain and preventing the country’s waterways from being exploited by criminal networks.
According to him, the seizure also formed part of broader national efforts to strengthen border security, enhance inter-agency cooperation and stop Ghana from becoming a transit route for illegal drug trafficking.
He warned financiers, sponsors and organisers of drug trafficking operations that the Navy would intensify surveillance along Ghana’s maritime corridors to identify, track and disrupt criminal activities.
Naval Captain Osei-Brobbey also appealed to the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling drug-related crimes.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ada East, Kenneth Kofi Kabu Kanor, expressed concern about the increasing threat of drug abuse and its impact on families and communities.
He noted that Ada’s location, with its extensive river and sea connections, made it necessary for authorities to strengthen monitoring of the area’s waterways to prevent them from being used for illegal activities.
Mr Kanor called for closer collaboration between the Ada East Municipal Assembly, security agencies and the central government to address drug trafficking and protect the area’s natural resources.
He stressed that the fight against illicit trade required a collective effort from authorities, traditional leaders and residents.