Netherlands donates new scanners to spice up Ghana’s struggle in opposition to drug trafficking – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The recent Netherlands scanner donation to Ghana has drawn international attention because it represents a concrete step toward strengthening the West African nation’s fight against drug trafficking. In December 2025, the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security presented advanced intrusive scanning devices to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana’s primary agency responsible for detecting and interdicting illicit narcotics at airports and seaports. Alongside the technical gift, the Dutch delegation launched the “Orange Corner Mural” in James Town, a community‑focused artwork that ties drug‑prevention messaging to a broader campaign against gender‑based violence. This article unpacks the background of the donation, explains how the new scanners work, outlines practical guidance for Ghanaian officials, and answers the most common questions that have emerged in the press and on social media.

Key Points

Background

Ghana’s Ongoing Struggle with Drug Trafficking

Over the past decade, Ghana has become a critical transit corridor for cocaine and synthetic drugs moving from South America to Europe. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghanaian authorities seized more than 150 kilograms of cocaine in 2023 alone, yet the volume of smuggled substances continues to outpace interdictions. Weaknesses in baggage inspection, limited scanner coverage, and insufficient training for customs personnel have been identified as key vulnerabilities.

NACOC’s Role and Limitations

Established in 1994, NACOC operates under the Ministry of the Interior and is tasked with drug‑control, interdiction, and policy coordination. While NACOC has achieved notable successes — such as the 2022 seizure of 1.2 tons of methamphetamine — its operational capacity is hampered by aging inspection technology. Manual bag searches are labor‑intensive, prone to human error, and often lead to bottlenecks at busy terminals.

Previous International Assistance

Before the Dutch donation, Ghana had received security equipment from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, primarily in the form of X‑ray machines and training programmes. However, those contributions were often fragmented and lacked the comprehensive maintenance packages that accompany modern CT scanners.

Analysis

Technical Advantages of the New Scanners

The donated CT scanners employ dual‑energy X‑ray technology and sophisticated algorithms that can differentiate between organic materials and innocuous items. Key technical benefits include:

• Three‑dimensional imaging: Allows operators to rotate and examine objects from any angle without re‑scanning.
• Automatic threat detection: Machine‑learning models flag anomalies that may indicate narcotics, explosives, or prohibited liquids.
• Speed: Each scan can be completed in under 15 seconds, dramatically increasing throughput.

Implementation Challenges

Deploying the scanners involves more than simply installing hardware. Effective use requires:

1. Training a cadre of certified operators who can interpret complex 3‑D reconstructions.
2. Establishing a reliable maintenance ecosystem, including spare‑part supply chains and software updates.
3. Integrating the equipment with existing customs management systems to ensure data sharing and reporting.

Potential Impact on Drug Trafficking Metrics

Based on comparable deployments in other African airports, the introduction of CT scanners has historically led to a 20‑35 % increase in seized contraband within the first year. If Ghana achieves a similar uplift, annual cocaine seizures could rise from roughly 150 kg to over 200 kg, representing a tangible deterrent for traffickers.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Under Ghanaian law, the importation of advanced security equipment must be accompanied by a customs‑clearance protocol and compliance with the National Security Act of 2020. The Dutch donation includes a technical assistance agreement that obliges the Netherlands to provide training and spare parts for a minimum of five years, thereby ensuring that the equipment does not become a short‑term gesture but a sustainable capability.

Practical Advice

For NACOC Leadership

1. Develop a phased rollout plan: Start with a pilot at Kotoka International Airport, evaluate performance, and then expand to secondary hubs.

2. Invest in training: Partner with Dutch technical experts to certify at least 30 operators within the first six months.

3. Create a maintenance schedule: Establish a local service contract with a certified technician pool to avoid downtime.

For Government Officials

1. Allocate budgetary resources: Set aside funds for spare parts, software licences, and periodic calibration.

2. Strengthen inter‑agency coordination: Ensure NACOC, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ghana Police Service share intelligence on scanner‑generated alerts.

3. Public‑awareness campaigns: Leverage the “Orange Corner Mural” model to communicate the benefits of modern scanning technology to the wider public, reinforcing trust in the customs process.

For NGOs and Community Groups

1. Integrate anti‑drug messaging: Align school‑based programmes with the scanner rollout to illustrate how technology aids national security.

2. Monitor outcomes: Collect data on seizure rates and community perception to assess the broader social impact of the donation.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Netherlands scanner donation to Ghana represents a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking. By equipping NACOC with state‑of‑the‑art CT scanners, the Dutch government not only upgrades Ghana’s technical capabilities but also reinforces a partnership that spans security, development, and community empowerment. Successful integration of the equipment — through targeted training, robust maintenance, and coordinated public‑awareness initiatives — could substantially increase Ghana’s interception rates, deter traffickers, and set a precedent for other nations facing similar challenges. The accompanying “Orange Corner Mural” underscores the importance of linking high‑tech security measures with grassroots education, especially in the fight against gender‑based violence. As Ghana moves forward, continuous evaluation, transparent reporting, and sustained international collaboration will be essential to translate this donation into measurable, long‑term improvements in national security.