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Customs Division busts illicit drug syndicate
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intercepted a cache of substances suspected to be illicit drugs from an alleged Nigerian drug syndicate at Kpoglo near Aflao in the Volta Region on Friday.
The team also seized from the syndicate an amount of US$200, 000 comprising 1,946 and 108 pieces of 100 and 50 dollar notes respectively.
The substances now in the custody of the security agencies are six parcels labelled Fatal (767.3g), 45 white pebbles (3,097.1g), 40 blisters of 10 tabs 225mg of tramadol tablets (353.5g), and three cans labelled ‘Praise palm cream’ (2,265.7g) with brown substance sealed in them.
The rest are eight parcels wrapped in brown cellotape (7,743.1g), four parcels wrapped in black polythene (5,079.2g) and 51 parcels wrapped in transparent polythene (5,045g).
Also retrieved from the group is two Nigerian passports with the names Orhoser Endurance and OsibokOcuko Gabriel, First Bank ATM card, an Ecobank cheque booklet, a driver’s license with the name Aminu Saliu Sholadoye.
Commissioner of Customs, Colonel (Rtd)Kwadwo Damoah, briefing the Ghanaian Times in Accra yesterday said that from their preliminary investigations, “these are substances that could qualify for any of the narcotic drugs. They might be in the high value category of drugs”.
Asked where the suspects who were on board the Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number LSR815 FV which was being used to ferry the substances were, Col (Rtd) Damoah said nobody was arrested in the operation.
“The vehicle pulled up with only the driver but unfortunately, when the officers were busy looking at the items, he (the driver) managed to abscond. They(officers) were interested more in the item and he took advantage and before they could say jack, he had absconded.”
Col (Rtd) explained that the car was being used as a cargo to outsmart the security as cargos were permitted entry into the country despite the closure of the borders as part of measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
“So the items were concealed under the fuel compartment with spare parts in the vehicle,” he revealed.
Describing the operation as a “major” one, Col (Rtd) Damoah commended the security agencies for the collaboration and hinted that a manhunt would be launched for the driver and his possible accomplices.
“This shows that with collective efforts, we can manage our borders better. This is a major success as far as our efforts are concerned and we commend all the agencies who were part of this operation.”
Other agencies involved were the Ghana Immigration and Police Service, Defence Intelligence and the Bureau of National Investigations.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has announced that government is encouraging Ghanaians to dedicate every Wednesday to the wearing of fugu, also known as batakari, as part of efforts to promote the country’s cultural heritage.
In a correspondence dated February 10, 2026, the ministry explained that the initiative forms part of government’s broader commitment to preserve, promote and celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural identity.
It called on all Ghanaians, as well as friends of Ghana both at home and abroad, to take part by wearing fugu in its various designs and styles, together with its traditional accessories.
According to the ministry, the move is aimed at deepening national cultural awareness and strengthening the country’s sense of identity, while projecting Ghana’s heritage to the international community with pride.
The ministry further noted that the initiative is expected to bring social and economic benefits to the country.
It explained that increased use of fugu would support local weavers, designers, artisans and traders involved in the production and sale of the attire, while also creating more business and employment opportunities across the value chain.
Government believes that the nationwide embrace of fugu will help strengthen national unity, boost the creative economy and serve as a strong symbol of Ghana’s cultural confidence and self expression.
The correspondence was signed by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policies that promote Ghanaian culture and creative industries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East Constituency, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, has denied allegations that he induced voters during the party’s recent parliamentary primaries.
In a statement issued to the media on Monday, February 9, 2026, Baba Jamal confirmed that he appeared before a committee chaired by Mr Kofi Totobi Quakyi, which was set up to investigate claims of vote buying during the primaries held last Saturday.
He noted that he used the opportunity to clearly state his innocence and reject the accusations against him.
He stressed that his political record in the constituency shows respect for party processes and unity.
He recalled that he had previously contested two primaries in Ayawaso East and lost both times to the late Member of Parliament. On each occasion, he explained that he accepted the results peacefully in the interest of party cohesion.
Referring to the last primaries ahead of the 2024 general elections, Baba Jamal disclosed that he obtained 309 votes, while the eventual winner secured 452 votes.
He pointed out that his rising support among party members is not based on inducement but on the initiatives he has undertaken, his personal integrity, and a shared commitment to improving representation for the constituency in Parliament.
He expressed appreciation to the committee for granting him a fair hearing and thanked delegates in Ayawaso East for the trust they have placed in him to lead the NDC into the upcoming by election.
According to him, that confidence strengthens his resolve to work with party supporters to bring development to the area and improve living conditions for residents.
Baba Jamal ended his statement with messages of loyalty to the NDC, the Ayawaso East Constituency, and Ghana, reaffirming his commitment to the party’s values and goals.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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