Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has stated that the government dismissed his earlier warnings about drug trafficking and instead attempted to arrest him. The Assin South MP argued that the recent seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France validated his concerns. He claimed that in April 2025, he called for an investigation into two aircraft that landed at Kotoka International Airport, alleging they might have been used to transport cocaine or cash.
The government rejected Rev. Fordjour's allegations, with Ghana Airports Company Limited stating that security checks found no evidence of illegal substances on either aircraft. However, on 9 April 2025, National Intelligence Bureau operatives went to his residence in Accra in an attempt to arrest him. The move was opposed by Minority MPs and NPP officials, who gathered at the house, and he was not arrested. Rev. Fordjour described the government's actions as an attempt to silence him.
The latest case concerns cocaine found by French customs at the port of Dunkirk in a container shipped from Ghana. Although Rev. Fordjour's 2025 allegations concerned aircraft, and no link between those flights and the Dunkirk shipment has been established, he described it as a manifestation of the concerns he raised. The incident has raised questions about Ghana's role in the trafficking of narcotics.
Rev. Fordjour's concerns about drug trafficking in Ghana were first raised in April 2025. He alleged that two aircraft that landed at Kotoka International Airport might have been used for illicit activities. The government's response was to challenge his claims and attempt to arrest him. The incident highlights the challenges faced by whistleblowers in Ghana.
The seizure of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France has significant implications for Ghana. The country's reputation as a transit point for narcotics has been reinforced, and there are concerns about the impact on its trade relationships. The incident has sparked calls for greater cooperation between Ghana and international authorities to combat drug trafficking.
The National Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has been working to address the issue of drug trafficking in Ghana. However, there are concerns about the commission's capacity and resources to effectively combat the problem. The incident has also raised questions about the politicization of the issue and the need for a more coordinated approach.
Rev. Fordjour's case highlights the challenges faced by whistleblowers and the importance of protecting those who raise concerns about national security issues. The government has been urged to take a more proactive approach to addressing the issue of drug trafficking and to work with international authorities to prevent future incidents.
Key points
- Rev. Ntim Fordjour's 2025 warning about drug trafficking was dismissed by the government.
- The government attempted to arrest Rev. Fordjour after he raised concerns about drug trafficking.
- 3.9 tonnes of cocaine were seized in France, linked to a shipment from Ghana.
