Navy Seizes 4.7 Tonnes of Suspected Cannabis at Ada Estuary, Worth Over $1 Million

The Ghana Navy has intercepted two wooden boats carrying 117 sacks of substances suspected to be Indian hemp at the Ada Estuary, in an intelligence-led operation that netted approximately 4.7 tonnes of narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding US$1 million.

The operation, conducted on Thursday, November 5, 2026, was carried out by the Navy's Riverine Command in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and National Security . The consignment comprised dried leaves packaged in more than 80 parcels per sack, and preliminary intelligence suggests the substances were being transported out of the country .

The occupants of the boats abandoned the vessels and their cargo after spotting pursuing naval personnel, fleeing the scene before any arrests could be made . The seized substances have since been handed over to NACOC for forensic examination and further investigation .

A Recurring Corridor

The interception is the latest in a series of drug seizures along the Ada and Volta Lake corridor, underscoring concerns about the use of Ghana's waterways for illicit trafficking. On March 27, 2026, the Navy's Special Boat Squadron intercepted a canoe off Goi Beach near Ada, recovering 37 sacks containing approximately 2,590 parcels of suspected cannabis; the occupants fled . On July 19, 2026, the Riverine Command intercepted another canoe at the Ada estuary carrying 59 sacks of suspected marijuana, along with fuel containers and outboard motors; the occupants swam away .

The Volta Region has also recorded significant seizures involving cannabis cultivation and processing. On May 31, 2026, NACOC seized 2,372 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis, valued at more than GH¢1.18 million, from a farmhouse and warehouse at Gbi-Wegbe near Hohoe. Earlier, on June 22, the Commission dismantled what it described as a cannabis production hub at Koleonu, Wegbe and Akplamafu, arresting three suspects and recovering hashish oil . NACOC has previously identified the Volta Region as one of Ghana's major cannabis cultivation areas.

Under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), cannabis remains prohibited for recreational use in Ghana. The law provides for licensing of cannabis cultivation for industrial and medicinal purposes under strict conditions, including a THC limit of 0.3 percent, subject to regulatory approval .

Official Response

Naval Captain Festus Osei Brobbey, Director of Naval Operations at Naval Headquarters, said the Navy had deployed a riverine detachment to strengthen security along the Volta Lake and surrounding communities, aimed at deterring illicit activities and improving surveillance . He emphasised the importance of sustained patrols and intelligence gathering, and commended community members for providing timely information to security agencies .

Kenneth Kofi Kabu Kanor, District Chief Executive for Ada East and Chairman of the District Security Committee, commended the Navy and its partner agencies for the interception. He cautioned residents against allowing the Volta Lake to be used as a transit route for illicit drugs and urged them to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities . He further assured the Navy of the Assembly's support for security operations in the district and appealed to relevant ministries and agencies to provide the necessary logistical assistance to strengthen security efforts .

The latest interception is expected to trigger further investigations by NACOC and other security agencies to establish the source and intended destination of the consignment and identify those behind the operation, while authorities pursue the suspects who escaped .