Ghana's anti-drug fight faces new challenge as informants demand payment for tips

Ghana's fight against international drug trafficking is facing a new challenge, with the country's narcotics agency warning that some members of the public now demand financial rewards before providing intelligence on suspected drug activities.

The Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, said citizen information remains critical to disrupting drug networks but expressed concern that some potential informants expect personal compensation before cooperating with authorities.

He made the comments before Parliament's Assurances Committee on Tuesday as security agencies intensify efforts to combat narcotics trafficking linked to Ghana.

"Each day, the traffickers evolve new strategies and try to go ahead of us. They connect, and they cooperate among themselves as to how to outwit them," Major General Mantey said.

He said intelligence from the public plays a major role in helping NACOC identify and disrupt criminal networks but noted that expectations for payment were becoming increasingly common.

"But as my minister said, we base most of our measures on intelligence. The only thing is that Ghanaians now have become a bit demanding, so when they send you intelligence, they demand money," he said.

'Build me a house and I will help'

Major General Mantey said some requests from individuals seeking rewards had gone beyond modest expectations.

He recalled an incident where an individual approached him and requested a major personal benefit in exchange for providing information.

"There was a time somebody came to me and said, if I could build him a house, he would help me do a lot. Unfortunately, we couldn't do that," he said.

The NACOC director-general did not suggest that all intelligence providers seek financial rewards but stressed that the fight against drug trafficking depends on cooperation between security agencies and the public.

Ghana under pressure from global drug networks

The comments come after renewed scrutiny of Ghana's role in international narcotics trafficking following the interception of a 320-kilogramme methamphetamine shipment in Australia.

Australian authorities said the drugs were concealed in a charcoal shipment originating from Ghana, prompting investigations into possible networks involved in the attempted importation.

Ghanaian authorities have since intensified efforts to strengthen border security and disrupt criminal groups involved in the movement of illegal drugs.

Major General Mantey said drug traffickers continue to adapt their methods, making timely intelligence and public cooperation essential.

Call for stronger public partnership

The NACOC boss assured Parliament that the commission would continue using intelligence-led operations to tackle narcotics trafficking.

He urged citizens to provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that public involvement remains vital in preventing Ghana from becoming a major transit route for international drug networks.

He said the agency would continue working with communities and other stakeholders despite the challenges posed by changing tactics among traffickers.