The security architecture must focus on ensuring the stability and security of the state, without becoming entangled in the political issues surrounding national security. The welfare of the country—both politically and socio-economically—should be prioritized over cheap political propaganda, particularly from the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.
Abass Osabutey, Executive Director of the Platform for Peace Security Africa, made this statement during the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. He stressed that the comments made by a member of parliament could potentially lead to legal consequences in another jurisdiction, suggesting that the laws should be allowed to take their course in addressing these allegations and to provide factual clarification.
Security Expert, Professor Kwesi Aning, also voiced concerns about the politicization of allegations involving drug trafficking and money laundering at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). He described the situation as “disappointing and very disturbing,” warning that mishandling the matter could damage Ghana’s international reputation.
The allegations were raised by Rev. Ntim Fordjour on April 1. He claimed that two specific flights were involved in the operation—Cavok Air’s Antonov An-128B and an AirMed flight (registered N823AM). According to him, both aircraft were used to smuggle narcotics and launder money through KIA.
Prof. Aning urged the government and relevant institutions to handle the issue with care and responsibility. He pointed out that Ghana has been known as a southern hub for cocaine trafficking, with about 15 percent of all cocaine used in Europe passing through the country. He emphasized the need to avoid sending the wrong signal to the international community and to ensure that Ghana does not return to its previous status as a trafficking hub.
While acknowledging that parliamentarians have the right to raise questions, Prof. Aning stressed that such sensitive national security matters should be approached in a measured and non-partisan manner to protect the country’s global standing.
The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about the increasing cases of drug trafficking and money laundering, particularly following the change in government. They pointed out that nearly two months have passed since the raid on 12 containers of gold and cash at Sapeiman in Accra, and the National Security has failed to provide an update on the investigation or the amount of gold and cash recovered.
In addition, the Minority Caucus has demanded accountability for cargo suspected to be cocaine and cash transported into the country by two suspicious flights that landed at KIA in March 2025.
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, called on the government to be transparent in its fight against drug trafficking and money laundering. “We demand accountability from National Security for the gold bars and cash retrieved, and clarity on their plans for these items,” he said. “As a responsible opposition, we have been patient and gave National Security two clear months to update the public on the investigation.”
The Minority also raised concerns about the recent pirate attack on a Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel on March 27, 2025, attributing it to the NDC MPs’ opposition to the procurement of two offshore patrol vessels by the Akufo-Addo government. Rev. Fordjour reminded the public of the previous government’s attempt to procure the vessels in 2024. The plan was opposed by the NDC in parliament, leading to the cancellation of the purchase. He warned that the lack of offshore patrol vessels left Ghana’s waters vulnerable to pirate attacks.
