Dr. Kwesi Aning, Director of Academic Affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, has expressed serious concern over the politicisation of an alleged drug trafficking and money laundering operation at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

Describing the situation as both “disappointing and very disturbing,” Dr. Aning warned that the way the matter is being handled could damage Ghana’s international reputation.

The allegations were brought to light by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, during a statement made on Tuesday, April 1.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour claimed that two specific flights were involved in the trafficking operation — Cavok Air’s Antonov An-128B and an AirMed flight, registered as N823AM. According to him, both aircraft were used to smuggle narcotics and launder money through KIA.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, April 7, Dr. Aning urged the government and relevant institutions to approach the issue with the highest level of care and responsibility.

“It is disappointing and very disturbing because Ghana has been known to be the southern hub for cocaine trafficking in which about 15 percent of all cocaine used in Europe passes through, so we have the infrastructure, the networks, facilities, and racketeering procedures to preventing trafficking. And so we need to be careful not to create this impression within the international community that we are back to square one,” he cautioned.

“A parliamentarian has the right to raise questions, but particularly when those questions deal with the reputation of the country and how our international countries see us,” he added.

Dr. Aning emphasized the importance of a measured, non-partisan approach in addressing such sensitive national security matters to avoid undermining Ghana’s global standing.