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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
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![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
