NPP to Gov’t: Don’t trivialise alleged drug trafficking, money laundering scandal

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a stern call for transparency and accountability from the government regarding growing concerns over suspected drug trafficking and money laundering activities involving foreign aircraft and unresolved drug busts.

In a press release signed by Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications, the NPP condemned what it described as “intimidation of the minority” for raising concerns about the mysterious presence of two foreign aircraft—AirMed flight N823AM and the Cavok Air Antonov An-12B—in Ghana.

“The New Patriotic Party (NPP) vehemently condemns the government’s intimidation of the minority, who have expressed valid concerns regarding the unexplained presence of specific foreign aircraft in Ghana,” the statement read.

The party criticised government spokesperson Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu for offering what it called a “scanty and primarily defensive” explanation about the aircraft’s presence, adding that “his response has not met public expectations” and “deepened public suspicion and concern”.

Curiously, both aircraft reportedly developed faults while in Ghana, a coincidence the NPP describes as “baffling”. The party warned against politicising what it considers a legitimate public concern and demanded a “detailed, professional response from the government, led by the appropriate security agencies, regarding the mission and cargo on board the two aircraft.”

The NPP also raised alarm over the government’s silence on two high-profile drug cases—the $350 million cocaine bust in Cape Coast and the $150 million cocaine seizure in Sekondi. The party alleges that the latter is linked to a senior member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“The political explanation Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu offered failed to address the request for an update on these drug arrests,” the party stated, adding that “the silence on these high-profile arrests undermines public trust.”

The NPP further cautioned the government not to “trivialise issues concerning drug trafficking and money laundering”, warning that such inaction could affect Ghana’s international standing.

“These are matters of international interest, and Ghana’s credibility and compliance with international obligations are at stake.”

“The international community is observing closely, and Ghana cannot afford the perception of complicity or institutional failure in confronting transnational crime because of the intolerance and lack of openness of the John Mahama administration,” the party warned.