4 days ago
Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, has expressed
support for former President John Mahama’s directive to investigate the
suspicious flights linked to potential money laundering and drug trafficking
activities. In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Jinapor, who also
serves as the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, commended Mahama
for his prompt action in initiating an investigation into the matter. Jinapor
believes the directive was a step in the right direction and that it resonated
with the public, as such a serious issue deserves immediate attention.
The controversy began when Rev. Ntim Fordjour made public claims about two
flights that had recently landed in Ghana, allegedly carrying large amounts of
cash and suspected cocaine. These flights, the AirMed flight NH23AM and Cavok
Air private jet Antonov AN 12 B, are reported to have landed in Ghana between
March 20 and March 25, 2025. Fordjour’s claims have sparked a heated public
debate about the nature of these flights and their connection to illegal
activities.
Jinapor pointed out that the drug trade is a sophisticated operation, often
difficult for authorities to track and expose. “When it comes to the drug
trade, it is a highly sophisticated cartel that can beat the government
multiple times without any suspicion or knowledge,” he explained. He added that
it was entirely possible that President Mahama may not have been aware of the
suspicious flights until they were brought to light by Fordjour, considering
the covert nature of such operations. Jinapor emphasized that sometimes the
authorities only become aware of such activities when whistleblowers or public
figures like Fordjour make the information available to the public.
Furthermore, Jinapor questioned the stance taken by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, who dismissed the
investigation as unnecessary. Ofosu had stated that the claims were untrue and
that pursuing the probe would be a waste of time. Jinapor responded by
challenging the Minister’s dismissal, arguing that it was impossible to
determine the truth without a proper investigation. “Felix came to dismiss the
probe, stating it will be a waste of our time and that the claims were untrue,
but how can you know the truth if there is no investigation?” he questioned.
The former Lands Minister stressed the importance of a thorough
investigation into the flights. He noted that there were various rumors and
conflicting reports surrounding the incident, but without a transparent and
comprehensive inquiry, it would be impossible to ascertain the facts. “At the
moment, there are several accounts on why the flights landed in Ghana with so
many public debates, but we still do not have any comprehensive and transparent
probe or report,” Jinapor said. This underlined his belief that only a detailed
investigation could clear the air and uncover the truth behind the alleged
illegal activities.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC),
Twum Barimah, has called on Rev. Fordjour to cooperate fully with the ongoing
investigation. In an interview with Joy News, Barimah stated that Fordjour’s
assistance would be crucial in bringing the alleged culprits to justice. The
NACOC is working diligently to investigate the matter, but the agency has
indicated that the cooperation of those with first-hand knowledge of the
situation, like Fordjour, is vital to the success of the inquiry.
The controversy surrounding the suspicious flights highlights ongoing
concerns about the extent of illegal activities such as money laundering and
drug trafficking in Ghana. Despite efforts to combat such crimes, including the
establishment of agencies like the NACOC, incidents like these continue to
raise alarm about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the need for greater
vigilance in monitoring aviation activities.
Jinapor’s support for the investigation into the suspicious flights reflects
his broader concerns about the government’s approach to fighting illicit
activities in the country. His comments also align with his previous statements
regarding the need for more robust measures to tackle corruption and illegal
practices, both within the country and beyond its borders.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what the outcomes will
be and whether authorities will be able to uncover the full scope of the
alleged illegal activities. For now, the public’s focus is on ensuring that the
investigation is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner, with all
the facts revealed to the people of Ghana. The pressure is on for those in
power to ensure that justice is served, and that the integrity of the country’s
aviation and law enforcement systems remains intact.
With the ongoing developments, the probe into the suspicious flights is set
to remain a hot topic in Ghanaian politics, drawing attention to the challenges
the country faces in tackling complex issues like drug trafficking and money
laundering. The coming weeks will likely see further public debates and
discussions about the investigation, as more information comes to light.
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