A democratic accountability and good governance group, Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM), has called on the Mahama-led government to swiftly initiate a highly transparent and non-partisan investigation into the two suspicious flights that recently landed in Ghana, attracting domestic and global attention.
An Antonov 12 VK with registration number CVK 7037 arrived in Ghana on March 12 while the second aircraft, a Hawker 800XP with registration number N823AM, operated by AirMed International landed in the country on March 20, 2025.
Both flights, which arrived in the country from Gran Canaria, Spain, were suspected of drug trafficking and money laundering, transiting through Ghana’s airspace.
In a strongly worded statement, CDM entreated both the National Security and Civil Aviation Authorities to release “all pertinent flight, cargo, and clearance documentation” to the public and to invite parliamentary oversight and, if necessary, international observers.
“Any whiff of complicity, silence, or obstruction risks painting Ghana as a permissive corridor for transnational criminal operations,” CDM warned.
According to the CDM, the highly troubling matter, raised by Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, is one of grave national security concerns that must not be handled as a political contest.
The CDM pointed out that the call by the Ranking Member who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, for a comprehensive probe into the suspicious flights is a legitimate exercise, guaranteed under Article 93 and 103 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and must be treated seriously by the relevant intelligence and security agencies.
These constitutional provisions, the group reiterated, empower Parliament and its committees to hold public institutions accountable and to demand full disclosure on matters of public concern, particularly those involving national security.
“Moreover, Ghana is a signatory to numerous international conventions and treaties that bind the nation to uphold transparency and accountability in combating illicit activities, including:
• The United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC),
• The International Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988),
• And the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations on combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
“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,” the CDM stated.
The group emphasised that these are serious matters that cannot be treated as mere politics as usual.
“This is not a matter for political theater. It is a test of Ghana’s commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and the global fight against transnational organised crime,” the CDM said in the statement.
The group cautioned that politicising the issue could have dangerous consequences, including damage to Ghana’s international reputation, increased scrutiny of Ghanaian travelers and cargo, and loss of investor confidence.
‘Felix Kwakye Ofosu rebuked’
The CDM condemned the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communication and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, for describing Rev. Ntim Fordjour as a “clown” on social media.
It called the description unethical and unbecoming of someone who speaks for the Presidency.
“This crude insult is not only a violation of Parliamentary Standing Orders (Order 93), which frowns upon the use of offensive and derogatory language as a parliamentarian, but also a violation of ethical standards expected of public officers.
“As a representative of the President, his conduct reflects on the entire administration.
“His remarks violate Parliamentary Standing Orders and the basic ethical standards of public office. He must apologise publicly—not only to Rev. Fordjour but to the people of Ghana,” the group demanded.
The CDM also called on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and demand decorum and discipline from his appointees, stressing that leadership must reflect humility and responsibility, especially during times of national scrutiny.
Call for restraint and professionalism
While calling for restraint and professionalism from all parties, the CDM urged Rev. Fordjour to fully cooperate with security agencies by sharing any intelligence he may have to aid investigations.
“His position as a Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee requires both boldness and responsibility,” the group said.
Ghanaians, the CDM underscored, are not interested in political battles but in safeguarding national security and protecting the country’s integrity.
“We demand truth, not political drama. Let Parliament do its job. Let institutions work without interference. And let political leaders act in the national, not partisan interest,” it concluded.
