There was no Evidence of Illegal Substances on AirMed and Antonov Flights - GACL

Apr 9, 2025 - 00:58

Accra, Ghana - 09 April, 2025 - The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has strongly refuted claims that two flights landing at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) were involved in drug trafficking.

The allegations, made by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, a member of parliament, suggested that the flights carried suspicious cargo, including cocaine and cash.

Rev. Fordjour, who is also the Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, made the claims at a press conference in Accra, citing reliable intelligence. He called for transparency from National Security regarding the content of the cargo carried by the two aircraft, AirMed flight N823AM and Cavok Air private jet Antonov An-12B.

GACL, in a press statement issued on Monday, April 8, 2025, clarified that landing permits for incoming aircraft are issued by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and National Security, not GACL. According to them, security inspections of the aircraft were conducted by Aviation Security and National Security personnel, while ground handling services were provided by Swissport.

The company also emphasized that “there was no evidence of any illegal substances on board both aircraft”

GACL also dismissed suggestions of any involvement by its Managing Director, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, stating that she “does not know or has never met or spoken to Rev Ntim Fordjour.''

“The onus is on the groups or individuals making false allegations to provide evidence,” the statement added.

GACL has urged individuals and institutions making such allegations to present credible evidence and cautioned against the spread of misinformation. The company warned that it will pursue legal action to protect its corporate reputation and that of its Managing Director.

Read the full statement from the GACL below