Ghana Navy seizes 4.7 tonnes of suspected Indian hemp at Ada Estuary

The Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command has intercepted two wooden boats at the Ada Estuary carrying approximately 4.7 tonnes of suspected Indian hemp. The operation, which took place on November 5, 2026, uncovered a massive haul of narcotics with an estimated street value of over US$1 million, equivalent to approximately GH₵13.8 million. This successful intervention underscores the military's ongoing efforts to police the country's maritime and riverine borders against the transit of illegal goods.

The seizure was the result of a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the Navy, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), and National Security. According to naval officials, the suspects on board the vessels managed to evade capture upon detection. Realizing they had been spotted by security forces, the traffickers abandoned the wooden boats and their illicit cargo, fleeing into the surrounding terrain. Security agencies are currently conducting investigations to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the trafficking attempt.

Naval Captain Festus Osei Brobbey confirmed the details of the operation and announced that a dedicated riverine detachment has since been deployed to the area. This unit will enhance security presence and provide consistent monitoring of the Volta Lake and its estuaries to prevent further illegal activities. The deployment is part of a broader strategy by the Riverine Command to ensure that Ghana’s internal waterways do not become safe havens for smugglers or other criminal elements.

In addition to the increased naval presence, authorities are calling for heightened vigilance from local residents. Captain Brobbey encouraged members of the fishing and riverine communities to report any suspicious activities or unfamiliar vessels to the security services. He emphasized that community cooperation is vital for the effective protection of the nation’s waterways. The intercepted substances have been secured for further testing and evidentiary purposes as the state continues its crackdown on the illicit drug trade.