Mahama Calls for Investigation into Suspicious Flights Tied to Alleged Illicit Activities

President Mahama Orders Full Investigation into Suspicious Flights Linked to Potential Illicit Activities

President John Mahama has mandated the National Security and other relevant agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into two aircraft that landed in Ghana in March and later departed for Gran Canaria, Spain, on March 25. This investigation follows concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament, who suspect the flights may be connected to illicit activities, such as drug trafficking or money laundering.

In response to the growing concerns, President Mahama took to social media, tweeting: “This matter requires urgent clarification. I have instructed the appropriate agencies to investigate and provide a full report on these flights.” The President’s call for investigation highlights the gravity of the situation, given the suspicions surrounding the flights and their potential link to criminal activities.

The issue was initially brought to light by the Minority in Parliament, specifically by John Ntim Fordjour, who is the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee. Fordjour raised questions about the circumstances surrounding two flights, one of which was an air ambulance and the other a private jet. According to Fordjour, Air MED flight L823 AM, which landed in Ghana on March 20, remained in the country for five days without transporting any patient. This raised suspicions, especially since there was no visible medical or emergency activity surrounding the flight. Additionally, a private jet, Antonov 12B, was noted to have arrived on March 12 and departed on the same day as the air ambulance. This timing further fueled the suspicions about potential illicit activities linked to the flights.

The Minority has expressed concern that the flights might have been used for criminal activities such as drug trafficking or money laundering, given their unusual movements and the lack of transparency around their operations. Given the seriousness of the allegations, President Mahama urged swift action from the security agencies.

“I have instructed the relevant agencies to fully collaborate with the Honourable Member of Parliament, Mr. Fordjour, and provide any necessary assistance to ensure a complete investigation into these flights,” President Mahama said. “It is essential that we gather all the facts and take the necessary steps to ensure that any unlawful activities are exposed and dealt with accordingly.”

President Mahama underscored the need for thorough investigation and transparency to preserve the integrity of the country’s aviation system. He emphasized that the security agencies should leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind the flights. He stated that if any illicit activities are found, they must be exposed and acted upon swiftly to protect the nation’s security and uphold the rule of law.

“We cannot allow Ghana’s airspace to be exploited for illicit purposes. The investigation into these flights will ensure that we continue to protect the integrity of our aviation sector and our national security,” Mahama stated.

The President’s remarks come at a time when Ghana is taking serious steps to combat illegal activities, particularly in sectors like aviation and trade, which can be vulnerable to exploitation by criminal organizations. The increasing sophistication of global criminal networks has led to growing concerns about the vulnerability of air traffic to illicit activities, such as the smuggling of drugs, money, and other contraband.

The investigation will involve collaboration between various agencies, including the National Security, the Aviation Authority, and any other relevant bodies that have the authority to monitor and regulate air traffic. The government has pledged full support for the inquiry, with a commitment to ensuring that all findings are made public and that those found responsible for any criminal actions will be held accountable.

In his statement, President Mahama stressed the importance of ensuring that public trust in the country’s aviation system remains intact. “Transparency and accountability are crucial in safeguarding the nation’s security, and we must work together to ensure that our airspace is not used for illegal activities,” he concluded.

The investigation is expected to shed light on the true nature of the flights and provide clarity on whether any criminal activity took place. For now, the government remains committed to addressing any security threats and maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s aviation sector.