by Ruth Abla Adjorlolo a JOURNALIST
The recent allegations of drug trafficking in Ghana, involving two aircraft suspected of transporting cocaine and cash, have sparked a heated debate about the country’s vulnerability to organized crime. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has urged a thorough investigation, while the Ghanaian government has dismissed the claims as baseless, accusing the opposition of spreading disinformation.
The controversy began when Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, said two suspicious flights, an air ambulance and a private jet, landed at Kotoka International Airport in March 2025, sparking concerns over their purpose and cargo. The flights, which remained in Ghana for several days, departed for Gran Canaria, a Spanish island, on March 25. Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, who is Assin South Member of Parliament suspects they may have been used for drug trafficking or money laundering, prompting President John Mahama to order a thorough investigation.
President’s Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has since dismissed the allegations, citing a lack of evidence. that he failed to honour an invitation by officials of a security agency. Mr Kwakye Ofosu said upon President John Mahama’s directive that the security agencies should engage Rev Fordjour for more information, the latter has varied his assertion.
Rev John Ntim Fordjour has denied an assertion. He dared Mr Ofosu to show evidence of any such invitation.
“Kwakye Ofosu lied when he claimed I’ve been invited by security agencies and failed to attend upon their invitation. No security or intelligence agency has ever invited me to assist them with any information. I dare Kwakye Ofosu to produce a copy of such invitation. I’m still waiting on them to collaborate with me in Parliament to undertake President Mahama’s directive, if the directive was not mere rhetorics,” he posted on X in response to a post by the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications.
The MP in an interview admitted that he did not know who brought the airplanes he spoke of into Ghana, or whether the airline he accused of illegal activities actually brought the specific cocaine drugs he alleged it imported into the country.
In his words, all that he is aware of is that the flight was in the country with cargo and his “intercepted suspicions” were raised to be validated and investigated by the state.
The MP has also been reported in other media news reports to have claimed that he only asked questions and didn’t expect the State to ask him to assist in providing answers to the direct allegations raised during his press conference.
Meantime, Airmed International, operators of the NA23AM aircraft accused of importing the cocaine and laundering drug funds has denied the allegations.
The airline has said it is ready to collaborate with any investigation to establish the facts and that its aircraft has not engaged in any illegal act. It has also expressed its readiness to collaborate with Ghanaian security agencies as directed by President John Mahama to unravel the facts of its presence in Ghana, which it says was not related to any of the suspicious claims.
Kodjo Attisso, Regional Adviser for Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Financing of Terrorism, and Anti-Corruption at UNODC, has emphasized the need for concrete results from the investigations.
Implications of Baseless Allegations
Baseless allegations can have far-reaching implications for a country’s reputation and economy. In Ghana’s case, the allegations have raised concerns about the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. If left unaddressed, these concerns could lead to –
- Reputational damage: Ghana’s reputation as a stable and secure investment destination could be compromised, potentially deterring foreign investors.
- Economic consequences: The country’s economy could suffer from increased scrutiny and potential sanctions from international organizations.
- Undermining trust: Baseless allegations can erode trust between the government and citizens, creating social unrest and instability.
The Way Forward
To address these concerns, the Ghanaian government must prioritize transparency and accountability in its investigation. This includes:
- Thorough investigation: A comprehensive investigation into the allegations, involving all relevant agencies and international partners.
- International cooperation: Collaboration with international organizations, such as the UNODC, to ensure that Ghana’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks meet global standards.
- Public disclosure: Regular updates and disclosures to the public on the progress of the investigation, to maintain transparency and trust.
By taking a proactive and transparent approach, the Ghanaian government can address the concerns raised by the allegations and demonstrate its commitment to combating organized crime. The UNODC’s support and guidance will be crucial in this effort, as the organization continues to work closely with Ghana to strengthen its anti-crime efforts. It cannot be business as usual.
The MP in an interview admitted that he did not know who brought the airplanes he spoke of into Ghana, or whether the airline he accused of illegal activities actually brought the specific cocaine drugs he alleged it imported into the country.
In his words, all that he is aware of is that the flight was in the country with cargo and his “intercepted suspicions” were raised to be validated and investigated by the state.
The MP has also been reported in other media news reports to have claimed that he only asked questions and didn’t expect the State to ask him to assist in providing answers to the direct allegations raised during his press conference.
Meantime, Airmed International, operators of the NA23AM aircraft accused of importing the cocaine and laundering drug funds has denied the allegations.
The airline has said it is ready to collaborate with any investigation to establish the facts and that its aircraft has not engaged in any illegal act. It has also expressed its readiness to collaborate with Ghanaian security agencies as directed by President John Mahama to unravel the facts of its presence in Ghana, which it says was not related to any of the suspicious claims.
