The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has categorically refuted allegations made by Assin South Member of Parliament, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, concerning the alleged use of two aircraft for drug smuggling and money laundering operations within Ghana. These accusations, which implied governmental complicity or negligence, triggered a swift response from President John Dramani Mahama, who directed security agencies to collaborate with the MP and thoroughly investigate the claims. This initial response underscored the seriousness with which the government treated the allegations, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing potential security breaches.
However, the government’s stance quickly shifted from investigation to outright dismissal of the MP’s claims. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, labeled the allegations as “baseless” and accused Rev. Ntim Fordjour of deliberately disseminating false information to damage the government’s reputation. This marked a significant escalation in the rhetoric surrounding the issue, transforming it from a matter of potential criminal activity to a political battleground. The government’s forceful denial suggested a conviction that the allegations were fabricated and intended to serve a partisan agenda.
Government officials reiterated their denial on multiple occasions, demanding that the former Deputy Education Minister substantiate his claims with concrete evidence. This demand for evidence became a central theme in the government’s response, highlighting the perceived lack of factual basis for the MP’s accusations. The repeated calls for proof underscored the government’s position that the allegations were not only false but also reckless and irresponsible, potentially undermining public trust in national security institutions.
Alexander Twum Barimah, Deputy Director General of NACOC, further discredited the allegations during an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News. He characterized the MP’s claims as a “fallacy” and dismissed them as unfounded speculation, suggesting that Rev. Ntim Fordjour was “throwing dust into the air.” This strong language from a high-ranking official within the nation’s drug control agency reinforced the government’s narrative that the allegations were entirely fabricated and devoid of any factual basis. Mr. Barimah’s statement aimed to definitively close the door on the issue, portraying it as a non-starter unworthy of further consideration.
The Narcotics Control Commission, as the primary agency responsible for combating drug trafficking in Ghana, emphasized the absence of any credible evidence to support the MP’s claims. This official statement from NACOC carried significant weight, as it came from the institution with the expertise and authority to investigate such matters. The Commission’s public declaration aimed to reassure the public that the allegations were unsubstantiated and that the country’s borders remained secure from the alleged drug smuggling and money laundering operations.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Rev. Ntim Fordjour regarding the use of aircraft for illicit activities were met with swift and categorical denial by the government and the Narcotics Control Commission. The government’s response evolved from an initial commitment to investigate into a strong condemnation of the MP’s claims, accusing him of spreading misinformation for political gain. The repeated demands for evidence, coupled with the strong denials from NACOC officials, aimed to portray the allegations as baseless and to reassure the public that there was no credible threat to national security from the alleged drug smuggling and money laundering operations. The entire episode ultimately devolved into a political back-and-forth, with the government and the MP engaging in a war of words over the veracity of the claims. This incident highlights the potential for politically motivated accusations to disrupt public discourse and erode trust in government institutions. It also underscores the importance of evidence-based claims and the responsibility of public officials to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated allegations.
