There was total blackout at KIA the day the alleged Aircraft with drugs left – Ex-Deputy Defence Minister

Former Deputy Minister of Defence  Kofi Amankwa-Manu has said the circumstances that surround the suspicious aircraft containing cocaine substances which landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) should warrant a thorough investigation into the matter that was unraveled by the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev John Ntim Fordjour.

He recalled that on the day that the particular aircraft at the KIA, there was a total blackout at the airport and most parts of the country.

The current Member of the Defence and Interior Committee in Parliament, it was necessary for the questions to be asked on the matter.

“I find it a bit unfair to hear people attack the personality of Ntim Fordjour, an allegation has been made that bothers on national security and the institutions clothed with the authority have been called to investigate the matter and let Ghanaians know exactly what is happening.  Is that a crime?

“Rev Ntim Fordjour is saying that Aircraft was an air ambulance, we were expecting to see patients in there

“The aircraft landed on 20th of March and left 25 of March. what is even funny around the whole incident is that we are told and it is common knowledge on social media, that the day the aircraft left the tarmac at KIA, there was a total blackout. That does not call for questions? We are asking questions, we have the right as members of the  Defence and Interior Committee to ask government questions, that is exactly what we are doing . Government must allow the institutions to work, this does not call for attacks on the person of Rev  Ntim Fordjour, we are asking questions and we want answers,” he told journalists in Kumasi on Monday, April 6.

A private legal practitioner, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, also raised concerns about the way and manner the government has handled this matter.

He described the government’s handling of this matter as disappointing.

“John Dramani Mahama’s government’s handling of Rev. John Ntim Fordjour’s flight allegation is disappointing. The repeated insults and attacks on the personality of the legislator showed Mahama is not ready to get to the bottom of the issue despite his initial call for probe. The insults from government officials must cease if we want to address the issue,” Brako-Powers wrote on Facebook.

He further stated that drug smuggling and money laundering are serious issues that should attract the attention of any serious and well-meaning government.

“But I don’t see that seriousness with the insults being traded around. You can’t dismiss Ntim Fordjour’s allegations without any credible evidence to the contrary. This media clearance is a faint attempt to sweep the issue under the carpet.

“I urge the World Bank, UNICEF Ghana, and other serious-minded international organizations to prevail on the Mahama government to investigate the allegations and stop the useless attacks on the legislator.”

President John Dramani Mahama earlier directed the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Police CID, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and the National Security Coordinator to immediately launch investigations into allegations of two suspicious flights arriving at the Kotoka International Airport suspected to be involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

But it appears the lawyer wants more than just the order to the security agencies to investigate this matter.

Another private legal practitioner and member of the New Patriotic Party (NP) Kow Essuman, also demanded an investigation from the government into this matter.

He told government communicators, especially the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, to stop the name-calling against the lawmaker who made the revelation, Rev John Ntim Fordjour and address the real issues.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour had earlier demanded a public briefing on a cargo carried by two aircraft—AirMed Flight N823AM and Cavok Air Antonov An-12B—suspected to have transported cocaine and cash into the country.

READ ALSO: Aircraft with drugs: Ntim Fordjour chickens out on invitation by security agencies – Kwakye Ofosu

His allegations triggered President John Dramani Mahama to order a probe. However, the Government Communications Minister, Felix Kwaky Ofosu revealed that Mr Fordjour was invited to assist with investigations but failed to honour the invitation.

READ ALSO: Mahama directs CID, NIB to work with Ntim Fordjour on suspected drug & money laundering flights

But government communicators accused Mr Fordjour of fabricating the claims for political purposes.

President John Dramani Mahama earlier directed the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Police CID, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and the National Security Coordinator to immediately launch investigations into allegations of two suspicious flights arriving at the Kotoka International Airport suspected to be involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

But it appears Kow Essuman wants more than just the order to the security agencies to investigate this matter.

In a post on his X page, Kow Essuman said “When an Opposition MP raises allegations of money laundering and demands an investigation, the Government Communications Minister should refrain from resorting to name-calling, such as referring to the MP as a ‘clown’.

“These are serious claims that warrant a transparent investigation, and it is important that the appropriate individuals address them. ”

 

Below is his full post…

When an Opposition MP raises allegations of money laundering and demands an investigation, the Government Communications Minister should refrain from resorting to name-calling, such as referring to the MP as a “clown.” These are serious claims that warrant a transparent investigation, and it is important that the appropriate individuals address them. Here is why:

During President Mahama’s previous administration, significant gaps and deficiencies were identified in Ghana’s anti-money laundering framework. As a result, Ghana was placed on international lists that highlight countries with shortcomings in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) efforts.

FATF Grey List Inclusion:

In October 2018, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Ghana on its “grey list,” indicating strategic deficiencies in the country’s AML/CFT framework. This inclusion followed a mutual evaluation by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in 2016, which highlighted significant gaps in Ghana’s AML/CFT measures.  ?

EU High-Risk Third Countries List:

As a direct consequence of FATF’s grey listing, the European Union (EU) added Ghana to its list of high-risk third countries with strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT regimes on October 18, 2020.

Through hard work and effective diplomacy, President Akufo-Addo ensured that Ghana was removed from these lists.?

Removal from the Lists:

FATF Grey List: Ghana was removed from the FATF grey list in June 2021 after demonstrating significant progress in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF acknowledged that Ghana had strengthened the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime and addressed related technical deficiencies.  ?

EU High-Risk List: Following the FATF’s decision, the EU removed Ghana from its high-risk third countries list on January 7, 2022. The EU recognized Ghana’s efforts in strengthening its AML/CFT framework and addressing the strategic deficiencies previously identified.  ?

Steps Taken by Ghana:

To achieve these delistings, Ghana implemented several measures:

1. Legislative Reforms: Enacted the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), which provided a robust legal framework to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. ?
2. Institutional Strengthening: Enhanced the capabilities of key institutions such as the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) to effectively detect and prevent financial crimes. ?
3. International Collaboration: Worked closely with international bodies, including the FATF and GIABA, to align Ghana’s AML/CFT measures with global standards. ?
4. Implementation of Action Plans: Developed and executed comprehensive action plans to address the specific deficiencies identified by the FATF and EU, demonstrating a commitment to improving the AML/CFT regime. ?

President Akufo-Addo handed over to President Mahama a country with a robust and transparent AML/CFT regime that meets international standards. As of April 2025, Ghana remains off both the FATF grey list and the EU’s high-risk third countries list, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to maintaining robust AML/CFT standards. ?

President Mahama must ensure that Ghana does not return to these lists. Currently, the actions of his Government Communications Minister are not helpful.

 

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