The Ministry of the Interior has received two security scanners for the Narcotics Control Commission to enhance security at the airport.
Donated to Ghana by the government of the Netherlands, the advanced body and baggage scanners are to strengthen Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
The ministers for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Interior, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Mohammed Muntaka Muarak, on Friday, November 28, 2025 received the donation in Accra.
The new devices, also described as intrusive scanners, replace the outdated equipment and are expected to improve detection, speed up screening and strengthen efforts to curb the movement of illicit drugs and other contraband through Ghana’s main airport.
The Minister for Justice and Security of the Netherlands, Foort van Oosten, handed over the funding documents to the two ministers, who received them on behalf of the government of Ghana.
A prior meeting brought together key officials from both countries, who stressed the need for closer cooperation against transnational organised crime.
REFLECTION
Mr Foort van Oosten indicated that the gift reflected the Netherlands’ strong commitment to supporting Ghana’s efforts to strengthen border security and address cross-border drug crimes.
“We fully recognise the challenges that agencies like NACOC face as criminal networks become more sophisticated,” he said.
Mr Foort van Oosten continued, “It is for this reason that we believe investments in modern technology, such as these scanners, are essential to reinforcing the integrity of airport operations and safeguarding the travelling public.”
CAPACITY
The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, in expressing Ghana’s appreciation to the government of the Netherlands, noted that the scanners were designed to detect items carried by passengers and trigger an alert when prohibited objects were identified.
Previously, the airport operated an intrusive scanner managed by NACOC, but that equipment had become outdated.
It, therefore, became necessary to acquire modern scanners with enhanced functionality to strengthen our fight against drug trafficking through the country’s ports,” the minister added.
Acknowledging the challenges Ghana faced with its security, he assured that the equipment would be effectively utilised and adequately maintained.
He said his ministry was committed to training the right calibre of personnel to operate the system efficiently.
“With this assistance, we are confident that we can significantly reduce the use of our ports as a channel for the illegal transportation of drugs,” he added.
The Director General of the NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey was present, as were NACOC officials.
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