A new wave of political controversy has erupted in Ghana following serious allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering involving two aircraft that reportedly transited through Ghana’s airspace.
The incident, which has drawn sharp responses from both the political elite and civil society, has now been met with a strong statement from the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM), a prominent governance advocacy group.
Suspicious Flights
The storm was ignited after the Minority Caucus in Parliament held a press conference revealing what it described as “credible intelligence” on suspicious flights originating from Gran Canaria en route to Ghana.
The Caucus expressed fears of possible criminal undertones—drug trafficking and money laundering—linked to the aircraft.
Though the aircraft passed through Ghana without any official accusations from authorities, their mere transit has led to growing suspicions, heightened by global concerns about West Africa becoming a trafficking corridor.
In the words of the CDM, “The credible intelligence intercepted by the Minority Caucus… must not be downplayed but seriously and properly investigated by the relevant intelligence agencies and not politicians.”
A Constitutional and International Obligation
The CDM emphasized the constitutional mandate of Parliament to demand accountability, referencing Articles 93 and 103 of the 1992 Constitution.
These articles empower the legislative body to exercise oversight and seek full disclosure on matters of public concern—particularly those touching on national security.
“Ghana is a signatory to numerous international conventions and treaties,” the CDM noted. Among them are the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), the 1988 International Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations.
“These instruments underscore the importance of national vigilance, cooperation, and prompt disclosure when suspicions arise; especially concerning aircraft movement, an area increasingly exploited by international criminal syndicates,” CDM added.
Politicization of National Security
Rather than transparent inquiry, the CDM lamented that the matter has been “politicized,” turning what should be a security priority into partisan fodder.
“It is, therefore, deeply troubling that instead of ensuring transparency and facilitating national unity in uncovering the truth, the issue is being politicized,” the statement said.
The Centre warned that such conduct threatens Ghana’s international reputation and security posture.
They further cautioned that “any whiff of complicity, silence, or obstruction risks painting Ghana as a permissive corridor for transnational criminal operations,” a development that could hurt investor confidence and invite greater scrutiny of Ghanaian travelers and cargo.
Call for Transparency
CDM called on the Government—especially the National Security and Civil Aviation Authorities—to publicly release all relevant documentation tied to the flights.
The group also advocated for an open, bipartisan parliamentary inquiry and, if necessary, the inclusion of international observers to build public trust.
“The people of Ghana demand the truth, not half-truths and political showmanship,” the statement read.
The political tension intensified when Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a Minister of State and Spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama, referred to Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, as a “clown” on social media.
CDM reacted with fury, describing the comment as “a crude insult” and “a violation of Parliamentary Standing Orders (Order 93)” and ethical conduct expected of public officials.
“As Spokesperson of the President… his behavior is a stain on the dignity of that high office. It brings the presidency into disrepute,” the CDM stated.
The group has since called on Kwakye Ofosu to issue “an unqualified public apology not only to Rev. Ntim Fordjour but to the entire nation.”
Furthermore, they urged President Mahama to “call his appointee to order and publicly affirm that insults, misinformation, and deflection shall not be tolerated in his government.”
-BY Daniel Bampoe
