Allegations of drug trafficking are among the gravest a country can face — not just because of the potential criminality involved, but because of the far-reaching consequences for national security,
international reputation, and public trust. The recent claims surrounding two aircraft — an air ambulance and a private jet — that landed in Ghana in early March and departed for Gran Canaria on March 25 must therefore be treated with the utmost seriousness.
The Minority in Parliament has rightly demanded full disclosure from National Security on the purpose and cargo of the two flights. The Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, John Ntim Fordjour, has gone a step further, raising red flags over potential drug trafficking or money laundering. Such concerns, whether speculative or evidence-based, cannot and should not be swept under the rug.
It is concerning that rather than addressing the allegations with transparency and due process, some government spokespersons have opted to dismiss them outright. Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has described the claims as baseless. While it is important to avoid public panic and misinformation, premature dismissals risk giving the impression of a cover-up and fuel further speculation.
Civil society voices such as IMANI Africa’s Senior Vice President, Kofi Bentil, have offered a more sober perspective, cautioning against brushing aside the matter. His call for transparency and thorough investigation aligns with the basic expectations of good governance and public accountability.
The politicization of such sensitive matters does no one any good — not the government, not the opposition, and certainly not the Ghanaian people. It is precisely this kind of issue that should rise above partisanship. We must avoid the temptation to view every national concern through a political lens. Instead, let us allow institutions of state — from National Security to the Narcotics Control Commission — to independently and thoroughly investigate the circumstances of these aircraft.
The integrity of our nation is at stake. Ghana has fought hard to protect its image as a stable democracy committed to the rule of law. In recent years, West Africa has become a hotspot for international drug trafficking networks. We cannot afford to allow any lapse or perceived complicity in Ghana’s airspace to undermine that reputation.
This is not about political point-scoring. It is about protecting our borders, enforcing our laws, and assuring our citizens — and the international community — that Ghana remains a country where justice and accountability are not subject to political convenience.
If the aircraft in question were innocent of any wrongdoing, the truth must be made public to put the matter to rest. If wrongdoing occurred, those responsible must be held to account. Either way, transparency and thorough investigation are non-negotiable.
The credibility of our security institutions, the integrity of our borders, and the trust of our people depend on it.
