The landing of two airplanes suspected of transporting cocaine and cash into Ghana recently has generated significant public interest and has dominated media headlines and discussions over the past week.<\/p>\n The flights in question-AirMed flight N823AM and Cavok Air\u2019s Antonov An-12B-reportedly landed at Kotoka International Airport from Gran Canaria, Spain, before departing on March 25, 2025.<\/p>\n What We Know So Far About the Two Flights in Ghana<\/p>\n Press Conference:<\/b><\/p>\n The issue of the two suspicious airplanes entered the public domain and became a topical matter after the Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Reverend Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, held a press conference on April 1, 2025.<\/p>\n The Minority claimed that intelligence intercepted by their members indicated that AirMed flight N823AM, an air ambulance, did not transport any patients but allegedly carried suspicious cargo believed to contain cocaine and U.S. dollars.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no evidence of any medical referral or patient on board. Rather, our intelligence suggests that the aircraft was used to smuggle illicit cargo,\u201d the Minority stated.<\/p>\n AIRMED FLIGHT N823AM<\/b><\/p>\n Arrived in Ghana: March 25, 2025<\/p>\n Carried no patient<\/p>\n Carried suspicious cargo suspected to be cocaine<\/p>\n Stationed in Ghana for five days<\/p>\n The Minority also raised concerns about Cavok Air\u2019s Antonov An-12B, which landed on March 12 and remained in Ghana for thirteen days before departing on the same day as the AirMed flight.<\/p>\n CAVOK AIR ANTONOV AN-12B<\/b><\/p>\n Arrived in Ghana: March 12, 2025<\/p>\n Stationed in Ghana for 13 days<\/p>\n Departed Ghana on March 25, 2025, and headed for Gran Canaria<\/p>\n Government Response<\/b><\/p>\n The government, through the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, swiftly responded to the allegations made by the Minority Caucus, dismissing the claims that the two airplanes were used to smuggle illicit drugs suspected to be cocaine.<\/p>\n He provided the following details:<\/b><\/p>\n Cavok Air Antonov An-12B<\/p>\n Cargo plane arrived on March 12, 2025, with a valid landing permit<\/p>\n Purpose of arrival: Technical fault<\/p>\n Arrived in Ghana from Luanda, Angola<\/p>\n Was carrying oil drip equipment and lubricant oil<\/p>\n Intended to carry out certification, including scanning and screening of products meant for the EU market<\/p>\n Developed an engine blade fault and severe oil leakage upon arrival<\/p>\n Replacement aircraft UR-CEZ (CVK 7007) was brought in to evacuate the cargo<\/p>\n Damaged aircraft remained in Ghana for 13 days<\/p>\n Inspected by Aviation Security, NACOC, National Security, and the NIB<\/p>\n No contraband was found<\/p>\n AirMed Flight N823AM<\/b><\/p>\n Air ambulance<\/p>\n Arrived in Ghana from Gran Canaria via Luanda, Angola<\/p>\n Landed due to a technical fault, refueling needs, and crew rest<\/p>\n Had a valid landing permit<\/p>\n Suffered a tyre burst and issues with the landing gear upon arrival<\/p>\n A second aircraft, N864, arrived on March 22 with replacement tyres and flight engineers from Luanda<\/p>\n Departed Ghana on March 25 after inspection<\/p>\n No contraband was found<\/p>\n Public Reaction<\/b><\/p>\n The issue has sparked mixed reactions among the Ghanaian public. While the government has categorically dismissed the claims as baseless, a section of the public believes there may be some truth to the allegations, calling for a non-partisan and thorough investigation to resolve the matter conclusively.<\/p>\n KA<\/p>\n Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children’s dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below:<\/b><\/p>\n![\"One](\"https:\/\/cdn.ghanaweb.com\/imagelib\/pics\/679\/67934383.295.jpg\" "\\"One")
One of the airplanes suspected to have carried cocaine<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n