Director of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Dr. Kwesi Aning, has voiced deep concern over what he describes as the troubling politicization of an alleged drug trafficking and money laundering scheme at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
Describing the situation as both “disappointing and very disturbing,” Dr. Aning warned that the handling of the matter risks tarnishing Ghana’s international image and undermining trust in its security institutions.
The allegations were initially raised by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, in a statement to Parliament on Tuesday, April 1.
According to Rev. Fordjour, two aircraft—Cavok Air’s Antonov An-128B and an AirMed flight registered as N823AM—were allegedly used in illicit trafficking activities at KIA.
Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on Monday, April 7, Dr. Aning cautioned that the situation demands a careful, responsible, and non-partisan response from both government and security agencies.
“It is disappointing and very disturbing because Ghana has previously been identified as a southern hub for cocaine trafficking, with about 15 percent of all cocaine consumed in Europe transiting through the country,” he stated.
“We have long-established infrastructure, networks, and mechanisms for detecting and preventing trafficking. We must not send the wrong signals to the international community that we are sliding backward.”
He stressed that while Members of Parliament have a right to raise important questions, particularly those touching on national security and international perception, such matters must be handled with sensitivity and strategic foresight.
“A parliamentarian has every right to question and demand accountability. But when these questions concern the country’s reputation and how our global partners perceive us, they must be approached with utmost caution,” he added.
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