Pirate Threat: Minorities Point Fingers at NDC Over Faltering Maritime Safety
Rev. Ntim Fordjour
The opposition party in Parliament has accused the NDC government of undermining the nation's maritime security after a recent pirate assault on a Ghanaian-flagged fishing ship named MENGXIN 1.
During a press briefing held yesterday, the Deputy Chairperson of the Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend Ntim Fordjour, disclosed that on March 27th, seven heavily-armed pirates attacked a ship, seized the crew as hostages, and abducted three individuals from China.
The Ghana Navy has subsequently initiated an inquiry into the assault.
Surrounded by Member of Parliament (MP) Kofi Amankwa Manu, the ex-Deputy Minister of Defence, Rev. Fordjour, condemned the NDC government's move to stop the acquisition of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) scheduled for 2024. He contended that this choice has rendered Ghana's coastal areas vulnerable to illegal operations.
"Piracy groups know about the deficiency of offshore patrol vessels in the Ghana Navy and are taking advantage of these vulnerabilities. It is crucial for the government to take immediate action to safeguard our marine boundaries before additional lives and economic resources are compromised," cautioned Mr. Manu.
Is Ghana Emerging as a Drug Trafficking Center?
Apart from maritime security issues, the Minority also expressed worries over an increasing tide of drug trafficking and money laundering activities.
They mentioned unusual activities related to two planes that arrived at Kotoka International Airport in March from Gran Canaria, Spain, a place notorious for drug smuggling.
The Minority claims that AirMed Flight N823AM, which was supposedly conducting a medevac mission, landed in Ghana on March 20 and stayed for five days without evacuating any patients.
The minority indicated that intelligence reports imply the aircraft was utilized for smuggling cocaine along with substantial quantities of U.S. currency.
Likewise, the Antonov An-12B from Cavok Air remained in Ghana for 13 days prior to departure on March 25th. This was also the same date as the AirMed flight, according to the Minority.
"These events have raised significant doubts regarding the monitoring of Ghana's airspace under the current administration. How were these aircraft permitted to operate with inadequate oversight?" Reverend Fordjour asked.
Raid on Gold and Cash: Where Is the Accountability?
The Minority also highlighted a significant security operation that took place on February 9, 2025, in Sapeiman within the Ga South Municipality. During this event, National Security seized twelve 20-foot shipping containers loaded with gold bars along with vast amounts of Ghanaian cedi notes and U.S. currency.
Even though the prominent operation took place, the authorities have not revealed the worth of the confiscated property or provided an update on the inquiries.
"The valid concern being raised by Ghanaians is: does the government, via National Security, plan to redirect the twelve containers of gold and money, ultimately misleading the public?" Reverend Fordjour questioned.
He requested the Minister of Interior, who has oversight over national security issues, to ensure complete transparency regarding the issue at hand.
Call for Urgent Action
The Minority Caucus has cautioned that Ghana’s standing as one of Africa’s most secure nations could be jeopardized under the current NDC leadership because of an increase in incidents related to piracy, drug smuggling, and financial fraud.
"It is crucial that under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, Ghana does not become a refuge for pirates, drug traffickers, and money launderers," said Rev. Fordjour.
The minority committed to holding the government responsible and advocating for swift measures to protect the country's safety.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, at Parliament House
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