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Suspicious flights: I was part of the screening team; no drugs were found – Deputy NACOC boss
Deputy Director of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Twum Barimah, has revealed that he was part of the security team that inspected the two aircraft in contention at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) for suspected drug trafficking.
He confirmed that all necessary checks were followed, and that no drugs were found.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, Twum Barimah explained that he was present when the planes landed and oversaw the inspection, which included the use of sniffing dogs by NACOC.
He also noted that the Immigration Service conducted its checks separately, and found no illicit substances.
The controversy arose after Assin South MP, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, raised concerns about two aircraft—the Air MED flight L823 AM and the private jet Antonov 12B—alleging that they were involved in suspicious activities at KIA. Rev. Fordjour claimed that the air ambulance, which landed on March 20, 2025, remained in Ghana for five days without carrying any patients, and suggested it was transporting cocaine and cash.
He also raised concerns about the Antonov 12B, which landed on March 12, 2025, and remained in Ghana for 13 days before departing on March 25, 2025.
However, Twum Barimah questioned why Rev. Fordjour has not provided evidence to support his claims, casting doubts on the visuals released by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
According to Barimah, NACOC followed all the proper procedures during the inspection, including using trained dogs to check the planes, but nothing suspicious was found.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in response to Rev. Fordjour’s allegations, dismissed them as baseless.
In a video posted on social media, he accused the MP of spreading disinformation in an attempt to undermine public trust in the government.
The government spokesperson urged the public to disregard the allegations and called on Rev. Fordjour to provide evidence to back his claims.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the focus remains on whether Rev. Fordjour will produce the necessary evidence to support his claims, or if the accusations will be dismissed as mere speculation.
Source:Adomfmonline.com
News
ICU holds Greater Accra regional youth, women confab
The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) on Friday held the Greater Accra Regional Youth and Women’s Conference to build a strategic network.
The conference which brought together representatives of the Union was a great opportunity for ICU Ghana to make its voice heard on policies that were crucial to the development of the country.
The platform was also used to elect new officers for the Greater Accra Branch of The ICU Ghana to mark its 12th National Quadrennial Conference in August.
The General Secretary of the ICU Ghana, Mr Morgan Ayawine, called on government to assist the two state-owned media organisation, New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times newspapers and Graphic Communication Group Limited (GCGL).
“The two state-owned media played major roles in disseminating government policies, educating, entertaining and informing the public of the happenings in the world,” he added.
He said ICU Ghana would also raise issues about the recapitalisation of the two organisations with the sector minister.
Mr Ayawine disclosed that the ADB and NIB banks were also going through the same ordeal but government intervened and urged government to do same for the two state-owned organisations.
He stressed on equal partnership between unions and employers, saying the capital and labour were crucial to create, produce and generate funds.
The General Secretary advised the various branches of the association to suggest solutions on socio-economic issues such as employment for discussions.
The newly-elected members who were sworn in by the General Secretary, Mr Morgan Ayawine includes Belinda Cochrane-chairman, Eric Ekow Turkson-Vice chairman and Moses Kwaku Otoo-Secretary.
Others were Charles Akomea-Financial Secretary, Charles Biden- Executive Member, Diana Asiedu-Women’s Representative and Samuella A. Brago-Youth Representative.
The chairman of the Greater Accra Branch of the ICU Ghana, Belinda Cochrane thanked the leadership for contributing to the success of the union.
She added that the conference was to prepare for the 12th National Quadrennial Conference and also to take stock of the activities of the branch for the past years and discuss issues on the ground.
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Minister for Health holds emergency stakeholder meeting with principals and directors of Health Training Institutions
In a proactive move to strengthen collaboration within the health sector, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has convened an emergency meeting with the Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI) across the country.
The meeting aimed to deepen engagement between the Ministry and key stakeholders responsible for training health professionals.
The session provided a platform for open dialogue on the challenges facing health training institutions, the quality of healthcare education, and the strategic direction of human resource development in the sector.
Addressing the stakeholders, Mr. Akandoh emphasized the importance of fostering strong and cordial relationships between the Ministry and training institutions to ensure a well-coordinated and responsive healthcare system.
He indicated that the purpose of the meeting was also to collaborate, discuss concerns, and find practical solutions that would benefit not only the institutions but also the Ghanaian people who rely on the healthcare system.
The President of COHHETI, Madam Margaret Mary Alacoque welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. She raised concerns about transportation challenges, accreditation delays, staffing shortages, and the general conditions and status of service for Health Training Institutions (HTIs). She also shared innovative strategies that some institutions have adopted to improve training outcomes.
In his response, Mr.Akandoh assured participants of the Ministry’s commitment to addressing their concerns and announced plans to enhance coordination and follow-ups.
He added that the Ministry would soon introduce policy reforms aimed at improving standards in health education and ensuring alignment with national health priorities.
These reforms include reducing the cost of admission, implementing automatic code generation for applicants, and clarifying leadership roles within HTIs.
