The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a scathing critique of the government’s handling of the controversy surrounding two foreign aircraft, AirMed flight N823AM and the Cavok Air Antonov An-12B, which were grounded at Kotoka International Airport under questionable circumstances. The NPP accuses the government of attempting to suppress legitimate inquiries into the matter, choosing obfuscation and defensiveness over transparency and accountability. The core of the NPP’s concern revolves around the government’s perceived lack of forthrightness in explaining the reasons for the aircraft’s extended stay in Ghana, particularly given the reported mechanical issues that both aircraft experienced while on Ghanaian soil. The NPP views this coincidence with deep suspicion, arguing that the government’s failure to provide a comprehensive account of the aircrafts’ cargo, purpose, and the nature of the alleged malfunctions fuels public speculation and erodes trust in the government’s commitment to national security.
The NPP’s statement underscores the gravity of the situation by highlighting the involvement of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which has reportedly urged Ghanaian authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the two grounded aircraft. This international scrutiny, according to the NPP, should have prompted a more proactive and detailed response from the government, including a thorough disclosure of all relevant information by the country’s security agencies. Instead, the party contends that the government’s response, spearheaded by spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has been inadequate and dismissive, further deepening public skepticism and raising concerns about potential improprieties. The NPP asserts that the government’s evasiveness not only undermines public trust but also potentially jeopardizes Ghana’s standing in the international community, particularly regarding its commitment to combating transnational crime.
Adding to the existing concerns surrounding the grounded aircraft, the NPP has also demanded a comprehensive update on two significant drug trafficking cases: the $350 million cocaine bust in Cape Coast and the $150 million cocaine haul in Sekondi. The party alleges that one of these cases is linked to a high-ranking member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), a serious accusation that the NPP claims the government has deliberately ignored. This alleged connection, coupled with the government’s silence on the matter, further fuels the NPP’s suspicions of a potential cover-up and raises questions about the government’s willingness to address corruption within its own ranks. The NPP emphasizes that these issues transcend partisan politics and represent critical matters of national and international security that demand immediate and decisive action.
The NPP argues that the government’s apparent reluctance to address these issues openly and transparently not only undermines public trust but also casts a shadow over Ghana’s international reputation, especially in the fight against drug trafficking and money laundering. The party’s statement serves as a call for accountability and stronger leadership, urging the government to prioritize national security and international obligations over political expediency. The NPP emphasizes that the government’s handling of these incidents has far-reaching implications, potentially impacting Ghana’s credibility on the global stage and its ability to effectively cooperate with international partners in combating transnational crime.
The NPP’s central demand is for transparency and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind these incidents. The party insists that the government provide clear, fact-based explanations for the presence and extended stay of the two foreign aircraft, as well as a detailed account of the investigations into the two major drug busts. Furthermore, the NPP calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged connection between a senior NDC member and one of the drug trafficking cases. The party contends that these are not partisan issues but matters of national importance that require a unified and resolute response.
In its concluding remarks, the NPP reiterates its unwavering commitment to holding the government accountable for any lapses in national security or breaches of international compliance. The party stresses that the Ghanaian public deserves answers, not cover-ups, and urges the government to act with integrity and urgency to address these pressing concerns. The NPP’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in matters related to national security and international cooperation in combating transnational crime. The party’s call for action emphasizes the need for a robust and independent investigation into these incidents to restore public trust and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
