'A lot is not adding up': Ghana probes officials over Australia meth shipment

Ghana's Interior Minister says several government officials are being questioned over a suspected insider role in a methamphetamine shipment from Ghana that was intercepted by Australian authorities.

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak told Parliament that preliminary investigations had uncovered indications of possible internal collusion, with some officials suspected of helping facilitate the movement or concealment of the illicit drugs.

He said investigations were ongoing and declined to name those being questioned, citing the need to protect the integrity of the process.

"Our men are on the ground. Like this Australia thing that you mentioned in passing, even as at yesterday, we were still interrogating a lot of government officials," Mr Muntaka said.

The minister was responding to questions before Parliament's Assurance Committee, where he disclosed that investigators had identified inconsistencies suggesting possible involvement by individuals within the country's security and border management systems.

"There's a lot not adding up. You could see that there's some involvement of some people within the system," he said.

'Evidence must guide investigation'

Mr Muntaka, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigators complete their work.

He said evidence must determine the outcome of the inquiry and that details could not be made public while officials were still being interviewed.

"You have been Minister for Defence and you know the importance of evidence. It's not everything that I can put out at this stage because we are still investigating and we are still interrogating people," he said.

The Interior Minister said the government was reviewing procedures at Ghana's entry and exit points to prevent similar incidents.

He added that security improvements would not be effective without ensuring that personnel responsible for operating those systems maintained high levels of integrity.

"Even if you put all these gadgets, remember that they are going to be operated by human beings. So, if the wrong persons are sitting there, you can bring all the gadgets in this world, it will still not be safe," he said.

Australia meth seizure

The investigation follows the seizure of about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine in Australia after the drugs were discovered in a shipment that originated from Ghana.

Australian authorities said the consignment, declared as bags of charcoal, was intercepted at Port Botany in Sydney after border officials detected anomalies during screening.

The Australian Federal Police estimated the drugs had a street value of about A$296 million.

Authorities said the shipment was intercepted as part of a controlled operation after forensic testing confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.

Three people have since been charged in Australia over the alleged importation attempt, including British national Emaa

Hussen, who prosecutors accuse of involvement in the failed operation.

Australian investigators allege the shipment was later taken to a storage facility as part of a controlled delivery operation, where suspects allegedly attempted to unload the drugs.

Ghana strengthens border checks

Mr Muntaka said Ghana's security agencies had changed operational procedures, including personnel deployment and rotation practices, to reduce the possibility of internal compromise.

"We have changed our modus operandi, the way we operate, the way we place personnel. All of it is to make sure that we secure our borders," he said.

The minister assured Parliament that authorities would continue working with international partners as investigations into the shipment continue.

He said the government was determined to identify anyone involved, whether inside or outside state institutions, and ensure that appropriate action was taken.