Security consultant Richard Kumadoe has raised concerns about Ghana’s gun-licensing procedures, the handling of a suspected cocaine shipment from Accra to Beirut, and communication gaps among security agencies. He warned that weaknesses in security management and public communication could undermine confidence in law enforcement.
Mr Kumadoe made the remarks on the Ahotor 92.3FM Morning Show, Adekyee Mu Nsem, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu. He discussed the investigation into the killing of a 72-year-old man, the reported movement of cocaine from Ghana to Lebanon, and the use of controlled delivery in narcotics investigations.
Gun licensing and responsible use
Commenting on the arrest of a suspect in connection with the killing of the 72-year-old man, Mr Kumadoe urged the police to continue investigations to establish the facts and identify any accomplices. He said investigators must determine whether the firearm allegedly used was licensed.
He stressed that a licence does not permit reckless or unlawful use of a firearm. According to him, gun ownership carries responsibilities, and violations can attract sanctions under the applicable law.
Mr Kumadoe also called for stronger background checks before firearms are issued. He said vetting should go beyond medical examinations to include criminal records, emotional stability, personal circumstances and the applicant’s reason for seeking a weapon.
Cocaine shipment and controlled delivery
On the cocaine case, Mr Kumadoe questioned discrepancies in the quantities reported publicly. While NACOC put the consignment at about 40 kilogrammes, Lebanese Customs reported a seizure of 46.7 kilogrammes.
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) says a Syrian national was arrested at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport on October 31, 2026, after arriving from Accra with suspected cocaine concealed in two pieces of luggage. NACOC says the arrest followed a coordinated controlled-delivery operation with Lebanese drug-law-enforcement authorities, aimed at identifying suspects at both ends of the supply chain and dismantling the wider network.
Mr Kumadoe acknowledged that controlled delivery can be an effective investigative technique, but said the decision to allow a suspected consignment to leave Ghana must be weighed against the country’s political environment and public confidence in law enforcement. He argued that the movement of suspected narcotics beyond Ghana’s borders could create the impression that enforcement systems are ineffective if authorities do not explain the operation clearly.
Communication gapsThe security consultant said conflicting reports, unverified claims and politically charged commentary could create confusion and damage the credibility of security institutions. He cautioned against linking individuals to the case without verified evidence.
He said accurate and timely communication is essential to democratic governance and security intelligence. According to him, security agencies must improve how they explain complex operations, including controlled deliveries, to prevent misinformation and unnecessary political controversy.
Law enforcement and prosecution
Mr Kumadoe also noted that law-enforcement work does not end with an arrest, as cases must proceed through prosecution and the courts. He argued that delays in court proceedings should not automatically be blamed on investigators, particularly where responsibility may lie with prosecutors or other justice-sector institutions.
He criticised political interference with established systems, saying disagreements between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should not undermine the effectiveness of security and justice institutions.
Background to the cocaine case
Lebanese authorities said the suspected cocaine was concealed in 40 packages using packaging and insulation designed to evade airport scanners, with electronic tracking devices found in the luggage. The suspect was identified only by his initials, B.H.
NACOC has rejected suggestions that the operation failed, with its Deputy Director-General in charge of Enforcement, Control and Elimination, Alexander Twum-Barima, saying the arrest at the airport was consistent with established procedures. The Commission says it is pursuing suspected accomplices in Ghana as investigations continue.nStory by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah