Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has announced plans to introduce polygraph testing for security personnel assigned to sensitive operations as part of efforts to tackle suspected information leaks and strengthen Ghana’s fight against drug trafficking.
The minister said the proposed testing would help authorities assess the integrity of officers selected for such assignments, amid concerns that sensitive operational information could be reaching drug trafficking networks.
Speaking in a radio interview on Joy FM on Monday, October 12, he said the initiative would be supported by improvements in equipment, working conditions, supervision and operational procedures.
“We are going to be doing polygraph of every person that will be part of an operation so that we can at least vouch their integrity in terms of what we are going to be doing,” he said.
Here are the key reasons behind the proposed measure.
1. To Address Suspected Information Leaks
One of the main reasons for the proposed polygraph testing is concern that sensitive information about security operations may be leaking from within the security services.
According to Mr Mohammed-Mubarak, such suspected leaks are compromising investigations and making it more difficult for authorities to effectively tackle drug trafficking.
The proposed testing is intended to form part of efforts to strengthen the integrity of personnel selected for sensitive assignments.
2. To Protect Intelligence Shared With International Partners
The minister said suspected insider involvement in drug trafficking had raised concerns about the security of intelligence exchanged between Ghanaian agencies and foreign counterparts.
He explained that international security officials often share intelligence through professional networks before governments pursue formal cooperation through mutual legal assistance procedures.
Suspicions that individuals with access to confidential information could be linked to trafficking networks risk undermining the confidence of international partners in Ghana’s ability to protect sensitive intelligence.
3. To Strengthen Ghana’s Fight Against Drug Trafficking
The proposed measure is also intended to improve the effectiveness of operations against drug trafficking networks.
The minister said suspected leaks of operational information were undermining investigations. Introducing additional integrity checks, alongside stronger supervision and revised operational procedures, is expected to help authorities address these concerns.
He disclosed that Ghana had engaged relevant foreign authorities over ongoing cases, with cooperation remaining active. He cited arrests linked to investigations involving France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia.
4. To Address the High Cost of Paying Informants
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak also highlighted the financial demands made by some informants in exchange for information about drug consignments.
He cited an instance in which an informant reportedly approached the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and demanded $20 million in return for information about a major drug consignment.
The minister said such demands were difficult for the state to meet, particularly because security agencies operate with limited resources.
He added that other individuals had approached authorities with information but insisted on receiving payment before revealing details.
These challenges highlight the financial pressures associated with obtaining actionable intelligence for drug investigations.
5. To Improve Supervision and Operational Security
Beyond polygraph testing, the minister said authorities were reviewing operational procedures and improving supervision to address concerns about the handling of sensitive information.
The measures are also expected to include improvements in equipment and working conditions to strengthen the capacity of security personnel.
6. To Enable More Frequent Rotation of Officers
The authorities are also training additional personnel to allow officers assigned to sensitive duties to be rotated more frequently.
According to the minister, the review of operational procedures and the development of additional personnel form part of efforts to address security concerns surrounding sensitive assignments.
7. To Strengthen Ongoing Drug Trafficking Investigations
Mr Mohammed-Mubarak disclosed that about 84 people facing various narcotics-related cases were currently on remand and in custody.
He clarified that the figure covered several cases and did not mean all 84 suspects were connected to the cocaine consignment seized in France.
The proposed polygraph testing, more frequent staff rotation and other operational changes are part of the authorities’ broader response to suspected security breaches and the challenges facing Ghana’s anti-drug trafficking operations.
The minister did not provide a timeline for the introduction of the proposed polygraph testing.
