The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has firmly refuted claims suggesting the involvement of its officials in disseminating misleading information to the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend Ntim Fodjour. The controversy arose following Reverend Ntim Fordjour's allegations of drug trafficking related to two aircraft that recently landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
Denial of Involvement and Clarification of Procedures
In a press release issued on April 8th, the management of GACL addressed the accusations directly. The statement emphasized the distinct roles of various agencies involved in aircraft landings and security protocols. "It is important to state that: Landing permits of all aircraft entering Ghana are issued by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in conjunction with the National Security and NOT GACL," the release clarified, underscoring that GACL is not responsible for granting landing permissions.
Furthermore, GACL outlined the security procedures conducted upon arrival of aircraft. "All security checks were conducted by Aviation Security and National Security while ground handling services were conducted by Swissport company for the aircraft that arrived," the statement detailed, clearly delineating the responsibilities of different entities at the airport.
No Evidence of Illegal Substances
A key point in GACL's response was the assertion that thorough checks revealed no illicit materials on board the aircraft in question. "There was no evidence of any illegal substances on board both aircraft," the management stated unequivocally, directly contradicting the allegations made.
Rebuttal of Contact with Ranking Member
The press release also addressed claims of communication between GACL's Managing Director and Reverend Ntim Fodjour. "The Managing Director, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare does not know or has never met or spoken to Rev. Ntim Fordjour," the statement asserted, further distancing the company's leadership from the allegations.
Challenge to Provide Evidence and Threat of Legal Action
GACL challenged those making the accusations to substantiate their claims. "The onus is on the groups or individuals making false allegations to provide evidence of same," the management urged, placing the responsibility of proof on the accusers.
The company also indicated its readiness to pursue legal action against any parties involved in spreading what it deems to be false and damaging information. "Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) hereby serves notice that the company will not hesitate to seek legal redress against any media house, individual or any other entity for any intentional or mischievous publication on Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s false allegations and related matters that seek to bring the image of the company, it’s Managing Director or the government into disrepute regarding the two (2) aircraft," the warning stated.
Call for Public Disregard of Allegations
Concluding their statement, the GACL management appealed to the public to dismiss the allegations. "Discerning Ghanaians are entreated to disregard these fictitious and malicious allegations and publications and treat them with the contempt they deserve," the release urged, seeking to reassure the public and protect the company's reputation.
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