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.
The flights in question-AirMed flight N823AM and Cavok Air’s Antonov An-12B-reportedly landed at Kotoka International Airport from Gran Canaria, Spain, before departing on March 25, 2025.
What We Know So Far About the Two Flights in Ghana
Press Conference:
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.
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.
“There is no evidence of any medical referral or patient on board. Rather, our intelligence suggests that the aircraft was used to smuggle illicit cargo,” the Minority stated.
AIRMED FLIGHT N823AM
Arrived in Ghana: March 25, 2025
Carried no patient
Carried suspicious cargo suspected to be cocaine
Stationed in Ghana for five days
The Minority also raised concerns about Cavok Air’s 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.
CAVOK AIR ANTONOV AN-12B
Arrived in Ghana: March 12, 2025
Stationed in Ghana for 13 days
Departed Ghana on March 25, 2025, and headed for Gran Canaria
Government Response
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.
He provided the following details:
Cavok Air Antonov An-12B
Cargo plane arrived on March 12, 2025, with a valid landing permit
Purpose of arrival: Technical fault
Arrived in Ghana from Luanda, Angola
Was carrying oil drip equipment and lubricant oil
Intended to carry out certification, including scanning and screening of products meant for the EU market
Developed an engine blade fault and severe oil leakage upon arrival
Replacement aircraft UR-CEZ (CVK 7007) was brought in to evacuate the cargo
Damaged aircraft remained in Ghana for 13 days
Inspected by Aviation Security, NACOC, National Security, and the NIB
No contraband was found
AirMed Flight N823AM
Air ambulance
Arrived in Ghana from Gran Canaria via Luanda, Angola
Landed due to a technical fault, refueling needs, and crew rest
Had a valid landing permit
Suffered a tyre burst and issues with the landing gear upon arrival
A second aircraft, N864, arrived on March 22 with replacement tyres and flight engineers from Luanda
Departed Ghana on March 25 after inspection
No contraband was found
Public Reaction
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.
