President Mahama Calls for Investigation into Alleged Drug Trafficking at KIA

President John Dramani Mahama has instructed a thorough investigation into allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering activities at Kotoka International Airport (KIA). This directive follows concerns raised by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, during a press conference on March 31, 2025. Fordjour highlighted two suspicious flights that recently arrived in Ghana, which he believes may be linked to illicit activities, prompting the President to take immediate action.

The investigation is focused on allegations that two flights, AirMed flight N823AM and Cavok Air private jet Antonov An-12B, were involved in transporting drugs and large sums of cash into the country. According to Rev. Fordjour, these flights landed at KIA on March 25, 2025, arriving from Gran Canaria, Spain. They allegedly departed for the same destination shortly after their arrival. Fordjour claimed that the flights were carrying suspicious cargo, including suspected cocaine and cash in U.S. dollars, rather than the expected medical patients, given that the AirMed flight is designed as an air ambulance.

In a statement shared on his social media, President Mahama expressed his government’s firm stance on such matters, assuring the public that it is taking the allegations seriously. He stated that key investigative agencies, including the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and the National Security Coordinator, have been instructed to work together with the MP to thoroughly investigate the claims. “We will maintain zero tolerance for using Ghana as a transit point or a destination for drugs or drug trafficking,” President Mahama emphasized, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to tackling illegal activities.

The President’s directive comes in the wake of growing concerns over the integrity of the nation’s airspace and its role in drug trafficking networks. He also pointed to a significant drug bust that took place earlier, where the NIB intercepted drugs worth $350 million, further highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the illicit drug trade.

Rev. Fordjour, a Member of Parliament for Assin South in the Central Region and a prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), raised alarms about the suspicious activities surrounding the two flights. He detailed how AirMed flight N823AM, which is typically used for medical airlifts, arrived at KIA on March 20, 2025, and stayed in the country for five days before returning to Gran Canaria. Fordjour asserted that there were no patients on board the flight, contrary to its intended purpose. Instead, he alleged that the cargo onboard was likely to be illegal drugs and large amounts of money. Fordjour also criticized the lack of transparency in such matters, stressing that the public deserves clarity on the contents of the cargo and the circumstances surrounding the flights.

“The Minority Caucus expects transparency in these critical matters of airspace security,” Rev. Fordjour stated, “as this will assure the public of the continued safety and integrity of our airspace.”

In addition to the investigation into the flights, Rev. Fordjour also called for updates on the discovery of twelve 20-foot containers containing gold bars and cash at a warehouse in Sapeiman, Ga South Municipality, on February 9, 2025. He urged the government to provide more information regarding the investigation into this discovery, highlighting the need for accountability in such high-profile cases.

Fordjour also called for a comprehensive investigation into the pirate attack on the Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel MENGXIN 1, which occurred in Ghanaian waters on March 27, 2025. He urged the government to strengthen the country’s maritime security, especially by providing the Ghana Navy with additional Offshore Patrol Vessels to safeguard the nation’s waters against piracy and other security threats.

“We call on the government to ensure that the Ghana Navy is properly equipped to protect our waters,” Rev. Fordjour added, emphasizing the need for greater investment in national security.

President Mahama’s decision to order an investigation reflects his administration’s commitment to addressing national security issues, particularly those linked to drug trafficking and illicit trade. The full-scale inquiry into these allegations is expected to help restore public trust in the country’s security apparatus and prevent future occurrences of such activities. By ensuring transparency and accountability, the government aims to protect Ghana’s airspace and maintain the integrity of its security infrastructure.