2 aircraft landed in Ghana for legitimate reasons, no unlawful substances were on them - Kwakye Ofosu

The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has denied allegations made by Rev. Ntim Fordjour. The MP linked drug activities and money laundering to two aircraft that landed in Ghana.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that both aircraft arrived for legitimate reasons. They underwent thorough security inspections, with no illegal substances found on board.

**First Aircraft: Antonov 12 VK**

The first aircraft is an Antonov 12 VK, registration CVK 7037. It arrived in Ghana on March 12, 2025, after securing a landing permit (GAF/TMAO/25/7863). This cargo plane came from Rwanda and Angola, carrying oil-drilling equipment and lubricants for the EU market.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that the aircraft needed a technical stop in Ghana for RA3 scanning and screening. This certification is necessary for entering the EU but is not available in Rwanda. The Swiss cargo facility at Kotoka International Airport performed this inspection.

While in Ghana, the plane developed an engine blade fault and severe oil leakage. A replacement aircraft (registration CDK 7007) was needed to evacuate the cargo. The damaged aircraft stayed at Kotoka International Airport for 13 days, from March 12 to March 25, 2025.

During its stay, Aviation Security, NACOC, National Security, and NIB inspected the aircraft. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that "no contraband or illegal substances were found."

**Second Aircraft: Hawker 800XP**

The second aircraft is a Hawker 800XP with registration N823AM. It was operated by AirMed International, a U.S.-based air ambulance service. This aircraft arrived from Gran Canaria, Spain after passing through Rwanda and Angola.

It landed in Ghana on March 20, 2025, for refueling and crew rest. However, it suffered a tire burst and landing gear issues upon arrival.

On March 22, another aircraft (registration number N864) arrived with replacement tires and flight engineers from Rwanda. Repairs were completed quickly; the Hawker departed Ghana on March 25, 2025.

Like the first aircraft, it underwent security inspections by NACOC and other agencies without any illegal substances being discovered.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu criticized Rev. Ntim Fordjour for spreading falsehoods about these flights. He accused him of trying to undermine public confidence in the government.

"The facts are clear," he said. "Both aircraft had legitimate reasons for being here." He added that they were thoroughly inspected with no unlawful substances found.

The government urged the public to disregard Rev. Fordjour’s claims while emphasizing that security agencies are vigilant about maintaining integrity in Ghana’s airspace and port-of-entry procedures.