- Allegations involve two planes linked to illicit activities
- Aning warns mishandling the issue could harm Ghana's global image and security trust
- The matter was raised by MP Reverend John Ntim Fordjour
Dr. Kwesi Aning, the Director of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, has expressed serious concerns about the politicization of an alleged drug trafficking and money laundering case at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
He described the situation as “disappointing and very disturbing,” warning that mishandling the issue could damage Ghana’s international reputation and erode confidence in its security institutions.
The allegations were first raised by Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, in a statement to Parliament on April 1.
Rev. Fordjour claimed that two aircraft—Cavok Air’s Antonov An-128B and an AirMed flight registered as N823AM—were involved in illicit trafficking activities at KIA.
In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM on April 7, Dr. Aning emphasized the need for a careful, responsible, and non-partisan response from both government and security agencies. “It is disappointing and very disturbing because Ghana has previously been identified as a major transit hub for cocaine trafficking, with around 15 percent of all cocaine consumed in Europe passing through the country,” he said.
“We have established infrastructure, networks, and systems to detect and prevent trafficking. We must not signal to the international community that we are moving backward.”
He further noted that while Members of Parliament have the right to raise significant questions, especially on matters of national security and international reputation, such issues should be handled with great sensitivity and foresight.
“While MPs have the right to demand accountability, when these concerns relate to the country’s image and how our global partners view us, they must be approached with extreme care,” he added.
