The Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has categorically denied media reports suggesting the involvement of its officials in passing false information to Rev. Ntim Fodjour, who recently alleged that two aircraft landing at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) were linked to drug trafficking activities.
In a strongly worded press statement issued from its head office at KA PMB 36, KIA, Accra, GACL described the allegations as “fictitious and malicious,” urging discerning members of the public to treat them with the contempt they deserve.
The management emphasized that not only were the claims baseless, but they also had the potential to damage the reputation of the company, its leadership, and the government at large.
“It is important to state that: Landing permits of all aircraft entering Ghana are issued by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in conjunction with the National Security and NOT GACL”.
Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL)
The company made it clear that it does not have the mandate or authority to issue landing permits or clear aircraft for entry into Ghanaian airspace.
Additionally, GACL outlined that all security protocols were duly observed upon the arrival of the two aircraft in question.
The statement indicated that the Aviation Security personnel and National Security operatives conducted thorough checks, and ground handling services were carried out by Swissport, an independent ground-handling service provider operating at KIA.
Importantly, GACL revealed that no evidence of any illegal substances or suspicious cargo was found on board either of the two aircraft.
In an unequivocal denial of personal ties to Rev. Ntim Fodjour, the Managing Director of GACL, Mrs. Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, stated through the company’s release that she neither knows, has ever met, nor spoken to Rev. Fodjour at any time.
Call for Evidence
The management emphasized that any claims suggesting otherwise were utterly false and lacking merit. “The onus is on the groups or individuals making these false allegations to provide evidence of same,” the statement read.
It warned that GACL will not hesitate to seek legal redress against any media house, individual, or entity that continues to propagate what it described as “intentional or mischievous publications” relating to Rev. Ntim Fodjour’s claims.
The management said the company remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and security at Kotoka International Airport, Ghana’s premier aviation hub, which consistently ranks among the top airports in West Africa.
GACL’s statement, therefore, appears aimed at firmly pushing back against what it sees as attempts to smear the image of the institution and its leadership.
Industry insiders have commended the company for providing clarity on operational protocols, as well as outlining the distinct roles played by the various aviation and security agencies operating at the airport.
Meanwhile, members of the general public and industry stakeholders have been urged to disregard the spurious allegations made by Rev. Ntim Fodjour and treat such publications with skepticism unless backed by credible evidence.
GACL reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, secure, and efficient aviation services, and reassured the public of its unwavering dedication to protecting Ghana’s aviation sector from any form of reputational damage.
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