Recent developments surrounding the alleged drug trafficking and money laundering activities linked to two aircraft that transited through Ghana’s airspace have ignited a fierce public debate, primarily between Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, and Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State and Spokesperson for the President. As conveners of the Centre for Democratic Movement, we find it necessary to intervene on behalf of the democratic integrity of the nation and in defense of Ghana’s international image and national interest.
The Allegations and Their Implications
The credible intelligence intercepted by the Minority Caucus, conveyed in their press conference regarding suspicious flights from Gran Canaria to Ghana, must not be downplayed but seriously and properly investigated by the relevant intelligence agencies and not politicians. The call for transparency regarding the suspicious aircraft is a legitimate exercise of parliamentary oversight, guaranteed under Articles 93 and 103 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which 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 Danger of Politicisation
It is, therefore, deeply troubling that the issue is being politicised instead of ensuring transparency and facilitating national unity in uncovering the truth. Ghana’s political actors must understand that this is not merely a matter of partisan rivalry; it is a matter of national security and international reputation.
Any whiff of complicity, silence, or obstruction risks painting Ghana as a permissive corridor for transnational criminal operations. Such a perception could have severe ramifications, including:
• Loss of international investor confidence,
• Tightened scrutiny of Ghanaian cargo and travelers abroad,
• Potential diplomatic strains, especially with countries whose anti-narcotic agencies monitor global air traffic.
We, therefore, advise the government, particularly the National Security and Civil Aviation Authorities, to publicly release all pertinent flight, cargo, and clearance documentation and allow Parliament and international observers, if necessary, to review the facts. The people of Ghana demand the truth, not half-truths and political showmanship.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s Unethical Conduct
We are appalled by the unprofessional conduct exhibited by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who referred to Rev. Ntim Fordjour, a fellow legislator and public servant, as a “clown” on social media. This crude insult is not only a violation of Parliamentary Standing Orders (Order 93), which frowns upon the use of offensive and derogatory language by a parliamentarian, but also a violation of ethical standards expected of public officers.
As Spokesperson of the President, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu represents not just himself or his political party but the Presidency, which under Article 57 of the 1992 Constitution, embodies the unity of the nation. His behavior is, therefore, a stain on the dignity of that high office. It brings the presidency into disrepute and threatens the values of civil discourse in our democratic tradition.
We call on Mr. Kwakye Ofosu to issue an unqualified public apology not only to Rev. Ntim Fordjour but to the entire nation. Such decorum is essential to restore trust and credibility to the Office of the President.
Furthermore, we respectfully urge President John Dramani Mahama, as the First Gentleman of the land, to call his appointee to order and publicly affirm that insults, misinformation, and deflection shall not be tolerated in his government. Leadership must reflect discipline, humility, and statesmanship, especially in moments of national uncertainty.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s Role as a Legislator Must Be Taken Seriously
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) believes that national security matters require bipartisan sincerity and institutional collaboration. In this regard, CDM would also welcome Reverend John Ntim Fordjour’s full cooperation with the appropriate security agencies by furnishing them with any credible information at his disposal concerning the aircraft in question. His contribution would reinforce the legitimacy of his concerns and demonstrate a commitment to national interest over partisan interpretation.
As a Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. Fordjour occupies a position that demands seriousness and responsibility. His concerns should not be summarily dismissed or politicized. Rather, they should be subjected to objective scrutiny through institutional channels. His willingness to engage with investigative bodies will also help dispel any perception of political motivation and foster public trust in the process.
The CDM emphasises that such oversight roles by legislators are not only constitutional obligations but crucial mechanisms in the checks-and-balances system that strengthen Ghana’s democratic framework.
Conclusion
The Centre for Democratic Movement reiterates that Ghanaians are not interested in partisan spin or blame games. We are interested in the truth. We are interested in security. We are interested in preserving our national honor on the global stage.
Let the relevant institutions investigate swiftly, let Parliament do its job without intimidation, and let political actors uphold the dignity of the offices they occupy.
Ghana is bigger than any individual or political party. Let us rise above politics and pursue the truth.
Centre for Democratic Movement: Democratic Accountability and Good Governance
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