AirMed International Denies Drug Trafficking Allegations.
U.S.-based air ambulance company AirMed International has firmly denied allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering following claims made by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour the Ranking Member of Ghana’s Parliamentary Defence and Interior Committee.
The controversy stems from the presence of AirMed’s medical aircraft, N823AM at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra in March 2025. In a public statement and subsequent interviews Rev. Fordjour raised concerns about the aircraft’s activities, suggesting potential links to illicit operations.
However in a direct response to an official inquiry by journalist Joshua Kodjo Mensah of EIB Network AirMed International categorically rejected the claims clarifying that the aircraft’s stop in Accra was due to a technical issue during a routine international patient transport mission.
On March 20, 2025, AirMed International aircraft N823AM departed the United States for a scheduled international patient transport. As part of the planned flight path, the aircraft made multiple stops for fuel, including a stop at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, the company explained in an official mail response.
According to AirMed there was no patient on board at the time of landing in Accra. The aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving two blown tyres, which required replacement. A second aircraft was subsequently dispatched with technicians and equipment to carry out the repairs.
“The aircraft remained grounded in Accra until March 25, 2025, after which it departed via Grand Canaria Airport en route back to the U.S. in full compliance with international aviation protocols, the company added.
AirMed emphasized that it is prepared to cooperate fully with Ghanaian authorities and provide all relevant flight documentation to verify that the stopover was entirely legitimate and unconnected to any illegal activity.
The aircraft’s presence became a political flashpoint after Rev. Fordjour publicly questioned its mission implying a possible breach of national security. His statements triggered reactions across the political divide, with President John Dramani Mahama encouraging the MP to submit any evidence to the appropriate authorities.
The government through spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the allegations as misleading and mischievous, reiterating that comprehensive security checks were performed and no threat was detected.
Tensions escalated further on April 9, 2025, when operatives from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) attempted to arrest Rev. Fordjour at his residence. The move was temporarily stalled following intervention by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who reportedly urged restraint while discussions continue at the legislative level.
Despite the dramatic turn of events no formal charges have been filed against the MP, and public debate continues over the legal boundaries of parliamentary privilege versus national security concerns.
AirMed International, meanwhile has reiterated its clean track record and stands by its commitment to saving lives through international medical transport services.