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

The Ghana Navy has intercepted two wooden boats carrying 117 sacks of suspected Indian hemp at the Ada Estuary in an intelligence-led operation targeting drug trafficking.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, November 5, 2026, involved the Navy’s Riverine Command, the Narcotics Control Commission and National Security.

The seized substances, weighing approximately 4.7 tonnes, consisted of dried leaves packaged in more than 80 parcels per sack, with an estimated street value exceeding US$1 million.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ada, Director of Naval Operations at the Naval Headquarters, Naval Captain Festus Osei Brobbey, said the interception was part of efforts to prevent criminal activities along the Volta Lake and its surrounding communities.

He explained that the naval personnel were able to intercept the boats after acting on intelligence gathered about their movements.

According to him, the suspects abandoned the boats and their cargo upon spotting the pursuing naval team and fled the scene.

Naval Captain Brobbey further disclosed that preliminary intelligence suggested the consignment was being transported out of the country.

He stressed the need for continuous surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent criminal networks from using the country’s waterways to transport illicit substances.

“Sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering remain critical in tackling criminal activities along the Volta Lake and surrounding communities,” he emphasised.

He also acknowledged the role of residents in supporting security operations, commending community members for providing timely information to security agencies.

The District Chief Executive for Ada East and Chairman of the District Security Committee (DISEC), Kenneth Kofi Kabu Kanor, described the operation as a significant intervention in efforts to protect the area from drug-related activities.

He commended the Ghana Navy and its collaborating agencies for the successful interception and urged residents to support security efforts by providing relevant information.

Mr Kanor cautioned against the use of the Volta Lake as a transit route for illicit drugs, stressing the need for community cooperation in preventing such activities.

“Residents must not allow the Volta Lake to be used as a transit route for illicit drugs. Suspicious activities should be reported to the appropriate authorities,” he urged.

He further called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities rather than allowing criminal elements to operate within their communities.