President John Mahama has issued a sharp rebuke to opposition MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, accusing him of fabricating claims about suspicious flights and drug trafficking in Ghana. In a thinly veiled reference to Aesop’s fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Mahama urged critics to avoid politicizing national security and wasting resources on baseless allegations78.
The clash stems from Fordjour’s recent allegations that two flights—AirMed Flight N823AM and Cavok Air Antonov An-12B—landed in Ghana carrying cocaine and large sums of U.S. currency. The claims, which Fordjour described as a call for accountability, were met with skepticism from the government510. Mahama dismissed the accusations as “games of smoke and mirrors,” emphasizing that Ghana’s security agencies are already stretched thin addressing genuine threats like the conflict in Bawku and rising crime7.
The Allegations and Backlash
Fordjour, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus, insisted his role was to demand transparency, not to be interrogated. “The information I gave is for [the government] to answer, not for me to be questioned,” he stated, vowing that the Minority would resist any intimidation tactics10. However, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah countered that Mahama, as commander-in-chief, had already conducted preliminary investigations and found no merit to the claims. She likened Fordjour’s actions to political theatrics, asserting, “President Mahama is not a kid; he handles security matters appropriately”5.
The “Crying Wolf” Metaphor
Mahama’s invocation of the “crying wolf” narrative underscores a broader frustration with opposition figures raising unverified alarms. The fable warns that repeated false claims erode credibility—a point Mahama emphasized by stressing Ghana’s limited capacity to chase “unsubstantiated rumours”78. Critics argue the metaphor risks dismissing legitimate concerns, but Mahama’s allies insist the focus should remain on actionable intelligence.
Political Implications
The spat highlights deepening partisan divides ahead of the 2024 elections. While the NPP frames Fordjour’s actions as whistleblowing, the governing NDC dismisses it as a ploy to undermine Mahama’s administration510. The president’s remarks also reflect a strategic effort to position himself as a steady leader amid crises, contrasting with what his camp portrays as the NPP’s destabilizing tactics7.
What’s Next?
With security agencies instructed to investigate Fordjour’s claims, the outcome could sway public perception. If proven false, the episode may reinforce Mahama’s narrative of opposition recklessness. Conversely, if evidence emerges, it could validate Fordjour’s demands for accountability. For now, the debate epitomizes Ghana’s fraught political landscape, where trust in institutions and leaders hangs in the balance.
About the author
G/A Minister leads cleanup exercise in Shai-Osudoku
• Ms Ocloo (second from left) and others sweeping the area The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ms Linda Akweley Ocloo, on Saturday led a cleanup exercise in the Shai-Osudoku District as part of the second edition of the “Regional Sanitation Day.” The exercise, which began at 6:00 am saw participants cleaning their surroundings and streets, de-silting choked gutters and clearing weeds. The exercise was in direct fulfilment of the Regional Coordinating Council to all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies within the Greater Accra Region to embark on a massive clean-up exercise as part of the Regional Sanitation Day. Addressing journalists after the exercise, Ms Ocloo who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for the area said the exercise was in line with the directive from the President to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa.
Enough is enough – V/R Minister slams ECG over persistent power outages
Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has strongly criticized the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over ongoing power outages and low voltage issues that continue to disrupt communities and businesses across the region. In a passionate statement, the Minister described ECG’s performance as a “complete disappointment,” calling for immediate transparency, improved communication, and greater accountability from the utility provider. “Whatever the challenges are, let us know. There must be communication—regular communication—with the people,” Gunu emphasized. He stressed the importance of providing advance notice for planned outages, noting that unannounced power cuts have led to significant damage to appliances such as refrigerators. His remarks echo the growing frustration among residents and business owners who are facing mounting financial losses due to the unreliable and unpredictable power supply. “You are disappointing the people of this region. What crime have we committed?” Gunu asked, […]
Why soccer might be Sweden’s way out of a gang crime crisis
Every Saturday night, deep in the heart of Gottsunda—a suburb on the outskirts of Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city—an unusual kind of football match takes place. Organized by Robert Wirehag, a local pastor and former youth player for Swedish club IK Sirius, these weekly games are more than just sport. They’re an intervention. Uppsala, known historically as a calm university town located about 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Stockholm, seems worlds apart from the energy in Gottsunda after dark. Here, instead of students and scholars, the streets are filled with boys aged 12 to 17. And according to Wirehag, they all have one thing in common: they’re potential gang recruits. “Why? Because they live in a specific suburb in the outer part of the city,” Wirehag explains. “All of them are at risk. Some are already involved in gangs, others are […]
Constitution Review Committee receives over 500 proposals from stakeholders
The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), composed of legal and governance experts, is tasked with identifying critical sections of Ghana’s Constitution that require revision to align with the nation’s current democratic and socio-economic realities. As part of its mandate, the CRC is reviewing past recommendations, assessing necessary reforms, and outlining a clear roadmap for implementing effective constitutional amendments.According to Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, the Committee has received written submissions from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. These include notable institutions such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), former officials of the Electoral Commission, and various NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, with expertise in natural resource governance.From academia, distinguished scholars such as Professors Kwame Gyan, Kofi Quashiga, and Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua of the University of Ghana have also contributed proposals to support the review process. […]
MTN MoMo denies system breach in viral GH¢11,000 fraud claim, cites customer negligence
A viral TikTok video posted on April 12 has reignited concerns over digital fraud in Ghana after a distressed MTN customer claimed she lost GH₵11,000 from her mobile money account without authorization. The emotional testimony has sparked widespread attention online and raised critical questions about the security of mobile money transactions in the country. Viral TikTok Testimony: “Are We Safe?” In the video, the woman, visibly shaken, recounted the shocking moment she discovered her funds had vanished. “MTN Ghana, I was just lying here when I realized someone had withdrawn GH¢11,000 from my mobile money account. Nobody contacted me, no one asked for any transaction ID or my mobile money PIN—so how is this possible?” she asked. She also expressed deep dissatisfaction with MTN’s customer service, stating that she was told to wait 15 working days for a resolution after […]
Ghana Secures $370 million from IMF despite setbacks in economic programme
Ghana and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a crucial staff-level agreement on the fourth review of the country’s economic program under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), following a two-week mission in Accra led by IMF Mission Chief Stéphane Roudet. The agreement comes despite notable policy slippages ahead of the 2024 general elections and signs of economic strain in key sectors. In a statement released on April 15, Roudet confirmed: “IMF staff and the Ghanaian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the fourth review of Ghana’s economic program under the Extended Credit Facility arrangement. Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Ghana would have access to SDR 267.5 million (approximately US$370 million), bringing the total disbursed support under the program to about US$2.355 billion since May 2023.” Stronger Growth Amidst Economic Headwinds Ghana's economy showed unexpected strength in […]
Related
MTN MoMo denies system breach in viral GH¢11,000 fraud claim, cites customer negligence
A viral TikTok video posted on April 12 has reignited concerns over digital fraud in Ghana after a distressed MTN customer claimed she lost GH₵11,000 from her mobile money account without authorization. The emotional testimony has sparked widespread attention online and raised critical questions about the security of mobile money transactions in the country. Viral TikTok Testimony: “Are We Safe?” In the video, the woman, visibly shaken, recounted the shocking moment she discovered her funds had vanished. “MTN Ghana, I was just lying here when I realized someone had withdrawn GH¢11,000 from my mobile money account. Nobody contacted me, no one asked for any transaction ID or my mobile money PIN—so how is this possible?” she asked. She also expressed deep dissatisfaction with MTN’s customer service, stating that she was told to wait 15 working days for a resolution after […]
I feel tempted to laugh at how the NDC is struggling to fight galamsey – Miracles Aboagye
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Communications Director of the 2024 Bawumia campaign, has taken aim at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over its approach to addressing illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana. Speaking in a recent interview, Aboagye stated that he often feels tempted to mock the current government's struggles with galamsey, given how the NDC dismissed the complexities of the issue while in opposition. “Sometimes, when I wake up and see how this government is struggling with the galamsey crisis, I feel like just laughing. We warned them, and they knew what we were saying was true,” he said. Aboagye accused the NDC, particularly during the 2024 election campaign, of making promises that encouraged illegal miners, despite prior warnings. According to him, senior figures within the NDC, including then-presidential candidate John Mahama, made comments suggesting that illegal miners would […]
UCL SHOWDOWN: Partey Boldly Declares Arsenal Will Complete Historic Double Over Real Madrid at Bernabéu
London, England – Arsenal midfield enforcer Thomas Partey has issued a daring Champions League warning to Real Madrid, boldly asserting that the Gunners are primed to complete a stunning double victory over the Spanish giants in Wednesday's quarterfinal second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. High-Stakes UCL Clash: By The Numbers 🔥 3-0 – Arsenal's commanding first-leg lead🏟 76,000 – Hostile Bernabéu crowd awaiting⚽ 5 – UCL trophies separating the clubs' histories Partey's Battle Cry The Ghanaian powerhouse, who neutralized Madrid's midfield in the first leg, delivered an unshakable rallying call via Arsenal's official channels: "We've conquered tough venues before—the Bernabéu won't intimidate us. Our blueprint is clear:✔ Play our possession game with conviction✔ Exploit their defensive vulnerabilities✔ Attack relentlessly despite the aggregate lead This squad has matured. We're not traveling to defend—we're going to win." Tactical Breakdown: How Arsenal Can Shock Madrid Again 1️⃣ Midfield Domination – Partey/Rice must replicate their first-leg masterclass2️⃣ Saka's Wing Wizardry – Targeting Ferland […]
NASASU Condemns Political Interference in National Service Authority Operations
In a statement dated April 11, 2025, and signed by NASASU Chairman Ayirebi Adubofour, the National Service Staff Union (NASASU) raised concerns about increasing political interference in the National Service Authority’s (NSA) operations—especially when it comes to hiring and staff transfers. The Union said this kind of interference weakens democratic values, damages public trust, and threatens the credibility of state institutions. “We strongly condemn the actions of political party supporters trying to take control of the National Service Authority. It goes against democracy and damages the trust and fairness of our national systems,” the statement said. NASASU emphasized that all hiring and staff movement must follow the National Service Authority Act 2024 (Act 1119), the Public Services Commission Act 1994 (Act 482), and Article 195 of the 1992 Constitution. They urged young people in the Western Region, where reports of […]
Mahama Launches Feed Ghana Programme to Boost Local Farming, Cut Food Imports, and Improve Nutrition
President Mahama officially launched the Feed Ghana Programme in Techiman, Bono East Region, on Saturday, April 12. He explained that the plan includes several parts, with the main goal of growing more food locally, reducing food imports, and encouraging institutions like Senior High Schools to get involved in farming. What Is the Feed Ghana Programme? President Mahama described the programme, also called Yeridua, as a national effort to reduce food imports from nearby countries. He said the government will invest in modern farming methods like greenhouse farming and encourage food production in cities and towns. Part 1: Backyard and Community Gardens The first part of the programme focuses on home and community gardening. Mahama urged Ghanaians to start small gardens near their homes to grow vegetables like tomatoes, onions, okra, and pepper. This will help improve nutrition and save money […]
Multi-party democracy has done nothing for this country – Prof Akosa
Speaking at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Public Lecture Series on April 11, Prof Akosa said, “I believe sincerely, and I will say it here today, that multi-party democracy has done nothing for this country.” Prof Akosa argued that beneath this veneer of democratic progress lies a deeply unequal system in which only a select few benefit. “Since 1992, the only beneficiaries of the system are the political class. The professional class, the working class, the underclass all have been totally marginalised,” he said. “It’s as if you live in this country, your sense is not respected,” he added According to the former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, such a situation cannot lead to sustainable national development. Prof Akosa further called for a radical shift in how Ghana utilises its human capital. “We must be prepared to harvest […]
Be the first to leave a comment