Ghana Airport Company Statement on Drug Trafficking Allegations Faces Harsh Criticism
Media Professional Questions GACL’s Statement Professionalism and Consistency
The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) finds itself at the center of a growing media storm after a prominent newspaper editor publicly condemned its official statement addressing drug trafficking allegations at Ghana’s main international gateway. Elvis Darko, Editor of the Newscenta Newspaper, has raised serious concerns about both the tone and substance of GACL’s public response to accusations made by Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, April 9, Darko delivered a scathing assessment of the statement released by the Ghana Airport Company Limited the previous day, suggesting it revealed political motivations rather than professional corporate communications.
“When I saw Ghana Airport Company’s statement yesterday, I said, ‘this is a political statement waiting for them to put out. That is my understanding. No serious Corporate Organisation will do this as a PR release, never. No serious Corporate Organisation will write this,'” Darko stated emphatically during the television interview.
Controversy Centers on Alleged Drug Trafficking and Aircraft at KIA
The controversy stems from allegations made by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who serves as both the Member of Parliament for Assin South and the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee. The MP has raised concerns about potential drug trafficking activities linked to two aircraft that landed at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
In its April 8 statement, the GACL denied media reports suggesting its officials had provided false information to the MP regarding these serious allegations. The statement characterized the claims as “baseless and misleading,” creating a direct confrontation with a senior parliamentary figure.
Disrespectful Address of a Parliamentary Official
One of Darko’s primary criticisms focused on what he perceived as a lack of respect in how the GACL referred to the parliamentarian. He specifically highlighted the statement’s reference to “one Rev. Ntim Fordjour” as inappropriate given the MP’s official position.
“Elvis Darko argues that GACL, as a government of Ghana institution, should address the Member of Parliament officially,” noted the original report, pointing to established protocols for communication between government agencies and elected officials.
This perceived disregard for proper protocol has raised questions about whether the statement was crafted with input from professional public relations practitioners, as Darko implied when he challenged PR experts to evaluate the quality of the release.
Logical Inconsistencies Further Undermine GACL’s Credibility
Beyond matters of tone and respect, Darko identified what he considers a significant logical inconsistency in the GACL statement. He noted that while the company claimed no illegal drugs were found on the aircraft in question, it had earlier stated in the same release that GACL was not involved in the inspection process.
“He further questioned the part of the statement that indicated that no illegal drugs were found when the company had indicated earlier in the statement that GACL was not part of the inspection process,” the report observed, highlighting this apparent contradiction.
This inconsistency raises important questions about the thoroughness of the airport authority’s investigation and the basis for its definitive claims regarding the absence of illegal substances.
Broader Implications for Airport Security and Public Confidence
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about airport security and anti-narcotics measures in Ghana, a region that has faced persistent challenges with transnational drug trafficking. Public confidence in security protocols at the nation’s primary international gateway depends largely on transparent communication and credible responses to serious allegations.
Communication experts suggest that when responding to allegations of this nature, institutions should:
- Maintain a professional tone regardless of the allegations’ nature
- Address officials by their proper titles and positions
- Provide clear information about investigative processes
- Avoid making definitive claims beyond the scope of their authority or knowledge
- Acknowledge the seriousness of the allegations even when denying them
The Way Forward: Restoring Public Confidence
As this controversy continues to unfold, aviation security experts recommend that the Ghana Airport Company Limited consider a more comprehensive approach to addressing these serious allegations. This might include:
- A collaborative investigation involving multiple agencies with appropriate authority
- Clear communication about security protocols at Kotoka International Airport
- Engagement with parliamentary oversight committees to address concerns
- Independent verification of security measures by international aviation authorities
Implications for Ghana’s International Reputation
Such controversies can potentially impact Ghana’s standing in international aviation security assessments and compliance with global standards for airport security. The handling of public communications around security concerns remains a critical component of maintaining stakeholder confidence in the aviation sector.