Police in Tema have intercepted 866 parcels of cocaine with an estimated street value of $6.9 million in a major intelligence-led operation at the Tema Port enclave, arresting three suspects including a Dutch national.

The drugs, concealed in sacks of gari, were being prepared for export when police raided a warehouse within the port enclave on Wednesday evening, dealing a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks operating through Ghana’s ports.

The Tema Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police Eric Asamoah Asiedu, told a press briefing on Thursday, August 6, 2026, that the Command received intelligence at about 7:15 p.m. on August 5, 2026, that some young men were loading parcels of a white substance concealed in sacks of gari into a 40-foot container at a warehouse within the Tema Port enclave.

He said a police team arrived at the scene and found three men supervising the loading operation. The container was mounted on a white DAF truck with registration number WR 1118-10.

“The consignment was being prepared for export when our team arrived. A search of the sacks led to the recovery of 866 parcels of a white substance suspected to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of US$6,928,000,” DCOP Asamoah Asiedu said.

The suspects were named as Gilano Horwin, a 31-year-old Dutch national; John Mensah Sabah, 41; and Alhaji Iddris Haruna. They were taken to the Tema Regional Police headquarters along with the truck and the exhibits.

According to the Regional Commander, during interrogation, Horwin allegedly stated that the substance was cocaine and claimed ownership of it.

“The suspect claimed ownership of the cocaine, and we are currently investigating the full extent of their involvement and any possible connections to larger trafficking networks,” DCOP Asamoah Asiedu said.

The three suspects have been detained to assist with investigations, while the exhibits have been secured for forensic examination to determine the exact nature of the substance. Police said investigations are ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

In a separate operation on the same day, the Prampram District Police intercepted a taxi allegedly transporting substances suspected to be Indian hemp. DCOP Asamoah Asiedu said the Tsopoli Police received information at about 5 p.m. on August 5, 2026, that the taxi was being pursued.

The dual operations represent a significant success for Ghana’s fight against narcotics trafficking, with the Tema seizure ranking among the largest drug busts in recent memory. The interception of the cocaine consignment at the port also raises important questions about the security of Ghana’s ports and the country’s role as a potential transit point for international drug cartels.

Industry observers have noted that drug traffickers continue to evolve their concealment methods, with common food items such as gari increasingly being used to evade detection. The use of the 40-foot container and the involvement of a foreign national suggest connections to sophisticated transnational criminal networks.

The suspects are expected to face charges including possession of narcotics, trafficking, and attempted export of prohibited substances, which carry severe penalties under Ghanaian law. The case has been transferred to the appropriate legal authorities for prosecution.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has moved to allay fears of fuel shortages amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, assuring Ghanaians that the country has sufficient stocks to withstand potential supply disruptions.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition, Director of Economic Regulation and Planning at the NPA, Abass Tasunti, confirmed that Ghana currently holds a little over five weeks’ average stock of both petrol and diesel, with continuous imports and local refining ensuring supply resilience even as global uncertainty persists.

“We keep saying at NPA that our topmost priority as a regulator is to ensure availability of petroleum products at all times, because trust me, if the fuel was not available in the first place, I’m not sure people would be more concerned about the price you are paying at the pump,” Mr Tasunti said.

He warned of the severe consequences that fuel unavailability could have on the economy.

“Your interest would be to ensure that you get the product, and you can imagine the chaos and the impact non-availability of petroleum products will have on the economy that we have today.”

The assurance comes days after the government announced a GH¢2-per-litre cushioning for diesel following another round of petroleum price increases, as global oil markets remain volatile amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Mr Tasunti said the authority continuously plans its supply chain to avoid shortages by balancing domestic production with imports.

“Our priority has always been to ensure that petroleum products are always available, so we always keep. That’s why we plan, and so we always have a plan that ensures that we balance domestic production with imports to ensure there’s adequate stock,” he said.

Providing an update on current stock levels, he said Ghana has sufficient supplies of the two main transport fuels:

“In terms of actual stocks, we have a little over five weeks average for both petrol and diesel today.”

Responding to a request for a breakdown of the figures, he explained that the stock levels are constantly replenished and should not be viewed as a fixed quantity that is simply being depleted.

“Whenever we say we have a little over five weeks or a little over four weeks, as an example, it doesn’t mean that we are consuming that and nothing else is adding up,” he clarified.

He said fuel imports continue without interruption:

“As we speak right now, the vessel is discharging products. We never actually have free time at the facilities that discharge the petroleum products, so almost every time products have been discharged to add up to what we have, and that’s why we have what we call the Line-up Programme to plan our imports.”

Mr Tasunti also pointed to local refining as another source of supply resilience, noting that the Tema Oil Refinery has been refining consistently and has not stopped production since July last year.

The combination of planned imports, continuous fuel discharge and local refining is designed to keep petroleum products available even as global uncertainty persists.

The GH¢2 diesel cushion, meanwhile, is expected to provide relief to transport operators and consumers already feeling the pinch of rising fuel prices.

Check out the top 10 headline stories dominating Ghanaian newspapers on Friday, August 7, 2025.

1. NPP’s ‘Democracy Under Attack’ Demonstration Hits Accra

The opposition New Patriotic Party staged a massive demonstration in Accra under the banner “Democracy Under Attack,” presenting a petition to the Supreme Court and the Presidency. The protest, which drew thousands of supporters, accused the Mahama administration of undermining Ghana’s democracy through arbitrary arrests, intimidation of political opponents, selective justice, and threats to judicial independence. The Daily Graphic reports that NPP supporters stormed the streets with the petition, while The Daily Searchlight frames the story as “Ghana’s Democracy Under Siege” and The Statesman reports “NPP, Allies Fight Against Erosion of Democracy.” The Ghanaian Times covers the protest extensively with photos and the headline “NPP hits streets under attack.”

Sources: The Metro Lens, The Daily Searchlight, Daily Graphic, Daily Guide, The Statesman, The Ghanaian Times, The Source, The Daily Gist

2. Nation Remembers Helicopter Crash Victims One Year On

Ghana united in grief and remembrance to honour the eight victims of the helicopter crash that occurred exactly one year ago. The solemn ceremony at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), brought together families of the deceased, senior government officials, and members of the security services. President Mahama paid tribute to the fallen heroes, which included Dr Edward Omane Boamah (former Defence Minister), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (former Environment Minister), Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Mr Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Christian and Muslim prayers were offered as the nation remembered the men who lost their lives while on service to the country. The Inquisitor newspaper runs a front-page tribute with the headline “A Year After Tragic Helicopter Crash: Victims Remembered.”

Sources: The Metro Lens, The Inquisitor, Daily Graphic, The Source, The Ghanaian Times, The Daily Searchlight

3. Prempeh Assembly Hall to Host Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s Thanksgiving Service

The Prempeh Assembly Hall in Kumasi is set to host a national thanksgiving service for Apostle Kwadwo Safo, founder of the Kristo Asafo Church. Multiple newspapers carry this as a lead story, with The Daily Statesman headlining “Prempeh Assembly Hall to host national Thanksgiving Service for Apostle Safo” and others reporting “Prempeh Assembly Hall to Host Thanksgiving Service for Apostle Kwadwo Safo.” The service is expected to draw thousands of mourners and dignitaries honouring the late religious leader.

Sources: The Metro Lens, The Source, The Daily Statesman, The Daily Gist, New Weekend Crusading Guide

4. Inflation Drops Further to 4.6% in July

Ghana’s inflation rate cooled further to 4.6% in July, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. The Business & Financial Times reports this as a top story, noting that while headline inflation continues to ease, domestic pressures remain a concern. The Ghanaian Times also covers the development on its front page, highlighting the positive economic indicator amid broader discussions about the country’s economic recovery. The development comes as the IMF continues to warn about over-reliance on gold exports and other structural vulnerabilities in the economy.

Sources: Business & Financial Times, The Ghanaian Times

5. GoldBod Operations Under Scrutiny as IMF Sounds Alarm

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) faces increasing scrutiny following reports that its operations suffered significant losses in 2025. The Informer newspaper leads with “GHc22billion Loss… GoldBod Crashing Ghana’s Economy – IMF Sounds Alarm,” while Business & Financial Times reports “GoldBod faces transparency test” and “Inflation cools to 4.6% but domestic pressures dominate.” The IMF has reportedly warned that GoldBod’s operations suffered a US$1.7 billion loss in 2025, raising questions about governance and transparency at the state-owned enterprise.

Sources: The Informer, Business & Financial Times

6. Police Bust US$6.9 Million Cocaine Haul in Tema

The Tema Police have seized cocaine worth US$6.9 million and arrested four suspects, including a Dutch national and two Ghanaians, in a major anti-drug operation. The Chronicle leads with “Police Bust $6.928m Cocaine Haul in Tema” while The Daily Searchlight also reports “Tema Police Seize Cocaine US$6.9m Worth, Arrest Four Suspects.” The bust is described as one of the largest drug seizures in recent memory, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking through Ghana’s ports.

Sources: The Chronicle, The Daily Searchlight

7. Lawyers Boycott Court Vacation Trials, Petition Chief Justice

Lawyers have boycotted vacation court sittings and petitioned the Chief Justice over what they describe as “selective justice” and the scheduling of trials during the legal vacation. Daily Guide reports “Lawyers Protest ‘Selective’ Court Vacation Sitting” while The Source carries the headline “Suspend Warrant For Vacation Trials – Lawyers Petition CJ.” The New Weekend Crusading Guide also covers the story with “Godfred Dame, Atta Akyea, Petition C.J, Over Vacation, Court Sittings.” The legal community is expressing growing concern over judicial independence and the handling of cases during the vacation period.

Sources: Daily Guide, The Source, New Weekend Crusading Guide

8. WAEC and Private Schools Clash Over BECE Bias Claims

The West African Examinations Council and private schools in Ghana remain locked in a dispute over allegations that private school candidates were disadvantaged in the BECE marking. GNACOPS and GNAPS are hunting for evidence nationwide to support their claims, with The Informer reporting “BECE Results Crisis Deepens… As GNAPS Hunts Evidence Nationwide.” The Daily Searchlight also covers the story with “WAEC, Private Schools Clash Over ‘Bias Claims.'” WAEC has firmly denied the allegations, insisting all candidates were treated fairly.

Sources: The Informer, The Daily Searchlight

9. Asiedu Nketia Drops Hint on 2028 Presidential Ambition

National Democratic Congress Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia has dropped a strong hint about his intention to contest the NDC presidential race in 2028. The Daily Gist reports “I’ll Join NDC Presidential Race – Asiedu Nketiah Drops Hint On 2028 Ambition” while Daily Guide covers “NDC Sets Dec. 19 For National Executive Elections.” The revelation has sparked widespread discussion within political circles about the party’s future leadership and the potential succession plans after President Mahama’s tenure.

Sources: The Daily Gist, Daily Guide

10. ISSER Flags Weak Economy as Causative Factor of Challenges

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has flagged Ghana’s weak economy as a causative factor behind many of the country’s challenges. The Informer reports this as a lead story with “ISSER Flags Weak Economy as Causative Factors,” while other papers highlight concerns about the government’s handling of the economy amid growing fiscal pressures. The warning comes as Ghana continues to navigate economic recovery efforts following recent financial crises.

Sources: The Informer