NACOC clears Mahama and Opoku-Agyemang's security teams in Dunkirk cocaine case

Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has officially confirmed that none of the suspects arrested in connection with the massive Dunkirk cocaine seizure are linked to the security details of President John Dramani Mahama or Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. The clarification puts to rest weeks of speculation and social media chatter that threatened to overshadow the country's ongoing fight against drug trafficking.

What did NACOC say about the cocaine suspects?

Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Alexander Twum-Barimah, addressed the claims directly on JoyNews' Newsfile on September 26, 2026. He stated that thorough background checks on all arrested suspects revealed no connection to presidential security operations.

When we arrest people, we do checks, and there was nothing that showed that any of them worked with the security details of the President or Vice President, Twum-Barimah said.

Specifically addressing the case of Musah Attah, alias Kromo, Twum-Barimah revealed that NACOC's records identify him as a farmer, not a security operative. He is not a staff member of the presidency, and there is no evidence to suggest otherwise, the Deputy Director-General emphasised.

How did the controversy start?

The controversy began when Old Tafo Member of Parliament Vincent Ekow Assafuah shared photographs on social media showing Attah in close proximity to both the President and Vice President. The MP questioned how someone allegedly connected to presidential security could be linked to a major international cocaine case.

Twum-Barimah, drawing on his own experience as a trained presidential security officer, explained that such arrangements would make the claims implausible. You will never be made to be a presidential security with the President and also be with the Vice at the same time. It doesn't work that way. You are with one of them, he said, adding that the security details for the two offices operate in completely separate sections.

What are the details of the Dunkirk cocaine seizure?

The case stems from a significant international drug bust. French customs authorities seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk on September 10, 2026. The drugs were discovered concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana, with part of the shipment reportedly destined for Antwerp, Belgium.

Four Ghanaians currently face charges related to the alleged exportation: Desmond Koranteng Curiel, alias Biggs; Musah Attah, alias Kromo; Kweku Okyere; and Jessica Hartog. They were arraigned before the Accra High Court on September 16 and have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to export narcotic drugs without a licence and the exportation of narcotic drugs. They are remanded and will reappear in court on October 13, 2026.

A fifth suspect, Dutch national Jos Leijdekkers, alias Bolle Jos, remains at large.

Why does this matter for Ghana's anti-drug efforts?

This case represents a critical test for Ghana's law enforcement and international cooperation. The swift action by French customs and the subsequent prosecution in Ghana demonstrate the strength of cross-border partnerships in tackling drug trafficking. For Ghana, the outcome of this case will reinforce the message that the country is serious about disrupting international narcotics networks while ensuring due process and factual accuracy in public discourse.

The NACOC clarification also highlights the importance of verifying information before it spreads. In an era of viral social media posts, the commission's commitment to transparent, evidence-based communication helps maintain public trust in Ghana's institutions.

What happens next in the cocaine case?

The accused will return to the Accra High Court on October 13, 2026, where the case will continue. Meanwhile, the search for the fifth suspect, Bolle Jos, is ongoing. Ghana's authorities, in collaboration with international partners, remain focused on ensuring that all those involved in this alleged drug trafficking operation face justice.

For now, the NACOC clarification serves as a reminder that Ghana's institutions are working diligently to separate fact from fiction, uphold the rule of law, and protect the integrity of the nation's highest offices.