The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says it is closely monitoring developments as Ghanaian authorities proceed with investigations into claims made by Ghana’s Minority MPs alleging that two aircraft suspected of transporting cocaine and cash used Ghana as a transit point for organized crime.
Even before National Security and other relevant agencies officially conclude investigations ordered by President John Mahama, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications has dismissed the claims made by Assin South MP, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, regarding alleged drug trafficking and money laundering involving the two aircraft.
In an explainer posted on social media, Felix Kwakye Ofosu described Mr. Fordjour’s allegations as baseless, accusing him of engaging in deliberate disinformation to undermine public confidence in the government.
However, speaking exclusively to Joy News’ Blessed Sogah, the Regional Adviser for Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Financing of Terrorism, and Anti-Corruption at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Kodjo Attisso, indicated that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated. He also expressed UNODC’s willingness to work with President Mahama on his declared zero-tolerance policy for organized crime.
“Any allegation of such a case should be properly investigated and prosecuted. And then we do believe also in the work of law enforcement and the judiciary. At this stage. We can just support and hope that they will come up with concrete results. But since it’s, you know, in the investigative stage, we cannot say much, but we are just following the case.” Kodjo Attisso stated.
In the meantime, the UN official commended the efforts of Ghanaian authorities in fighting corruption and organized crime, while welcoming the high-level statement by President John Mahama, which he posted on his Facebook wall, declaring zero tolerance for organized crime.
“So any kind of crime should be combated and we are happy, we are grateful that the President of Ghana has that direction. We know the harm of organized crime groups in our society. So the more we fight them, we make Ghana safer and secure,” he added.
The Minority in Parliament is still insisting on a full disclosure from National Security regarding two flights that landed in Ghana in early March and departed for Gran Canaria, a Spanish island, on March 25.
The flights—an air ambulance and a private jet—allegedly remained in the country for several days before their departure, raising concerns over their purpose and cargo
