Muntaka reveals suspected insider involvement in Ghana-Australia meth-trafficking case

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has disclosed that preliminary investigations into the 320-kilogramme methamphetamine shipment intercepted in Australia have implicated several government officials suspected of facilitating the concealment and export of the illicit drugs.

Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Assurance, the Minister said investigators are currently questioning a number of officials to establish the extent of any internal collaboration that allowed the consignment to leave Ghana without detection.

He noted that the ongoing probe has uncovered irregularities suggesting the possible involvement of individuals within the country’s security system.

“As of yesterday, we were still interrogating several government officials. I cannot disclose everything at this stage because investigations are ongoing. There are many issues that do not add up, and it appears there may have been involvement from people within the system,” he told the committee.

Mr Mubarak stressed that while modern security equipment and surveillance technology are important in tackling cross-border crime, their effectiveness depends on the integrity of those responsible for operating them.

“You can install the best security gadgets available, but if the wrong people are operating them, they will not be effective,” he said.

He further revealed that the government has begun reviewing security arrangements at the country’s entry and exit points, including changes to personnel deployment and operational procedures, to strengthen border security and prevent similar incidents.

“We have revised our operational approach and the way personnel are deployed. These measures are aimed at safeguarding our borders,” he added.

The Minister’s comments follow the interception by Australian authorities of approximately 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of charcoal from Ghana. The seized drugs are estimated to have a street value of A$296 million, prompting investigations into possible security lapses and alleged insider involvement in the export of the consignment.