The Paga Youth Movement in the Upper East Region has raised serious security concerns over the repeated landing of an unidentified aircraft at the Paga airstrip, calling on the Government of Ghana and national security authorities to urgently clarify the aircraft’s identity, mission, and authorization.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the group said residents observed an aircraft bearing tail number 60171, reportedly of United States origin, landing at the airstrip over a three-day period. According to the youth movement, the aircraft would abruptly take off whenever community members gathered to observe or inquire about its presence—an action they say heightened suspicion and anxiety among residents.
The situation reportedly escalated on December 31, 2025, when the aircraft landed again and was intercepted by district-level security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), National Security operatives, and other allied agencies. The group alleged that the occupants of the aircraft refused to disembark or cooperate with security personnel, a development they described as deeply troubling.
However, the youth movement claims that an alleged directive from the Regional Police High Command later instructed security agencies on the ground to allow the aircraft to take off, describing it as a “national security aircraft.” According to the group, this order overrode local security efforts and left district authorities without information on the aircraft’s mission, cargo, or destination.
The group further alleged that independent checks by its members link the aircraft’s tail number to the United States Army, adding that intelligence available to them suggests the aircraft’s original colour may have been deliberately concealed. They also expressed concern that key local authorities, including the District Chief Executive (DCE) and members of the District Security Committee (DISEC), were allegedly not informed about the aircraft’s operations. The group claimed the Regional Minister was similarly unaware of the aircraft’s presence.
The Paga Youth Movement questioned why local security agencies and aviation authorities were allegedly unable to establish communication with the aircraft, and why there appeared to be no coordination with district and regional security structures if the operation was legitimate.
“These developments are deeply unsettling, especially given that Paga is a border community with heightened security risks,” the statement said.
The group also cited unverified intelligence suggesting the aircraft may have been destined for Burkina Faso and possibly carrying arms. While acknowledging that this information requires official confirmation, the youth movement stressed that the seriousness of the allegation demands urgent clarification from the appropriate authorities.
As a result, the group is demanding:
- A full public explanation from the Regional Police Commander
- Clarification from National Security
- An official briefing from the Ghana Armed Forces, aviation authorities, and the Ministry of the Interior on the aircraft’s identity, flight clearance, cargo, and destination
The youth movement further emphasised that in sensitive security operations, authorities must, where legally permissible, adequately brief district-level security agencies and community leadership to prevent fear and panic among residents.
The group also issued a strong warning against any attempt to use the Paga airstrip for illegal activities.
“We value our lives and the peace we are enjoying,” the statement said, stressing that the safety and security of the community remain non-negotiable.
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
