Netherlands donates advanced scanners to boost airport security, launches anti-violence campaign in Jamestown

The Government of the Netherlands has donated new high-grade security scanners to the Government of Ghana, marking a major step in the two countries’ joint fight against transnational drug trafficking.

The scanners were presented at the Marriot Hotel in Airport on Fri by the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Mr. Foort van Oosten, and received on behalf of Ghana by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Mutaka Mubarak.

Speaking during the ceremony at the Marriot Hotel in Airport, Hon. Mubarak described the scanners as “not the ordinary ones we see at our ports.”

He noted that the new equipment is capable of detecting concealed substances far beyond the capacity of existing airport scanners.

“If you conceal something, it will see beyond what you conceal. We normally call them intrusive scanners,” he said.

“The one we used to have, operated by NACOC, is very old. We needed new equipment to prevent drug trafficking at our ports. For the Netherlands Government to step in to assist, we are most grateful.”

He assured the Dutch delegation that the scanners will be used responsibly, adding that specially trained officers will be assigned to operate them to minimize the use of Ghana’s ports as transit points for narcotics.

The Dutch support follows significant operational challenges at the airport after scanning equipment used by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) broke down, limiting Ghana’s ability to detect illicit cargo. Both countries have described drug trafficking as a shared threat, necessitating deeper security collaboration.

Strengthening Ghana–Netherlands Security Cooperation

Dutch Minister Foort van Oosten said the initiative reflects the Netherlands’ long-standing commitment to partnering with Ghana on security and justice issues. The scanners as donated are expected to restore and enhance KIA’s ability to monitor high-risk cargo and passengers.

The agreement forms part of broader bilateral cooperation to combat organized crime networks operating between West Africa and Europe. Officials from the Ministry of Transport, Ghana Airports Company Limited, NACOC and other security agencies were present to witness the handover.

Dutch Delegation Visits James Town, Highlights Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

Following the airport ceremony, the Dutch delegation visited Jamestown—one of Accra’s oldest coastal communities—to reaffirm the Netherlands’ commitment to human rights, gender equality and the protection of vulnerable groups.

The visit to James Town and neighboring Ussher Town also connected to the shared historical ties between Ghana and the Netherlands, with both communities hosting 17th-century forts built during the colonial era. These include James Fort (1673–74) and Ussher Fort (1649), the latter renovated in 2021 through Dutch funding under the UNESCO/Netherlands-in-Trust programme.

To mark the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Embassy partnered with youth-focused NGO Act for Change to launch a community campaign addressing sexual and gender-based abuse—this year with special focus on digital violence against women and girls.

Mural Unveiled to Promote Awareness

Activities included a social media awareness drive, an interactive theatre performance for students and community youth leaders, and the unveiling of an #OrangeCorner Mural in James Town symbolizing resistance against domestic violence.

Samuel Lamptey, Programmes Lead at Act for Change, said the initiative uses creative expression and participatory theatre to empower young people to challenge harmful norms and protect vulnerable groups.

The Dutch Embassy described the collaboration as part of its continuing effort to promote dignity, safety and equal rights in Ghanaian communities that face high socio-economic challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate housing and limited access to essential services.

Strengthening Both Security and Social Protection

With the dual events, the Netherlands underscored its commitment to supporting Ghana in both national security operations and community-level human rights advocacy.

The new scanners are expected to significantly boost NACOC’s operational efficiency at the airport, while the Jamestown campaign seeks to reduce violence and strengthen awareness among young people.

Both governments expressed optimism that the partnership will continue to expand in areas of mutual interest.

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