Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has responded to the Minority in Parliament’s recent claims of suspected drug smuggling and money laundering via two aircraft that allegedly landed in Ghana.
He called on the Minority to provide concrete information to aid security agencies in investigating the matter.
The Minority recently raised alarm over the arrival of two aircraft—AirMed Flight N823AM and Cavok Air Antonov An-12B—at Kotoka International Airport in March 2025, claiming they may have been involved in smuggling cocaine and cash. The AirMed flight, typically used as an air ambulance, reportedly landed in Ghana on March 20, 2025, but did not transport any patients, raising suspicions. Similarly, the Cavok Air jet arrived on March 12, 2025, and remained in the country for 13 days before leaving for Gran Canaria, a region associated with illicit activities like drug trafficking.
In an interview on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, Ade Coker emphasized the importance of credible information and urged the Minority to assist the government by providing any intelligence they have on the matter.
“The Minority is right to raise concerns, but they must back up their claims with solid evidence. If they have information regarding these aircraft, they should share it with the relevant authorities so that security agencies can act swiftly,” Ade Coker said. He further explained that security agencies rely on tip-offs to initiate investigations, noting that it is not feasible for the president or government to be briefed on every flight that lands in the country.
“There needs to be a clear, actionable lead for the authorities to investigate. Until there’s credible information, like an arrest or seizure, security cannot act on mere suspicion,” Ade Coker added.
The call for action comes as suspicions mount regarding the involvement of the two aircraft in illicit activities. The Minority’s concerns highlight the potential for Ghana to be used as a conduit for international drug trafficking, with the Cavok Air jet’s final destination in Gran Canaria raising further red flags.
While the Minority demands transparency from the National Security Ministry regarding the contents of the flights, Ade Coker’s comments underscore the importance of collaboration between Parliament, the public, and security agencies to tackle such serious issues effectively.
