Unknown and suspicious aircraft lands in Paga: Sparking security concerns
Residents of Paga in the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region have expressed fear and anxiety after a suspicious aircraft landed several times at the Paga airstrip, raising concerns about security in the border community.
According to residents and local watch groups, an aircraft with tail number 60171 landed at the Paga airstrip on three different occasions between December 28 and December 31, 2025.
They said that each time the aircraft landed, efforts by community members and, in some cases, district level security personnel to approach it and find out its purpose failed, as the aircraft reportedly took off suddenly before any contact could be made.
Tension increased on December 31, 2025, when the aircraft landed again and security agencies, including the Ghana Police Service, National Intelligence Bureau, National Security operatives, and other allied agencies, reportedly stepped in to stop it from taking off.
However, the Paga Youth Movement, in a press release, said the occupants of the aircraft refused to come out or cooperate with security officials, a situation the group described as worrying.
The group further alleged that while local security agencies were investigating the matter, an order from the Upper East Regional Police High Command directed that the aircraft be released on the basis that it was a “national security aircraft.”
According to the youth group, this instruction ended further action and left the community and district authorities without any explanation about the aircraft’s mission, cargo, or destination.
The Paga Youth Movement also claimed that independent checks linked the aircraft’s tail number to the United States Army and alleged that its original markings and colour appeared to have been covered, increasing suspicion. These claims have not been independently verified.
The group expressed concern that district security authorities were not informed ahead of the aircraft’s activities and alleged that the District Chief Executive, who chairs the District Security Committee, was unaware of the aircraft’s presence.
It also claimed that the Upper East Regional Minister had no prior knowledge of the operation.
According to the group, checks with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority suggested that the authority was also unaware of the aircraft and had reportedly made unsuccessful attempts to contact it.
Considering Paga’s closeness to Burkina Faso and other Sahelian countries facing insecurity, the youth group warned that the issue should not be taken lightly.
It referred to unverified reports claiming the aircraft may have been carrying arms allegedly meant for Burkina Faso, stressing that while such claims need official clarification, they raise serious concerns.
The Paga Youth Movement is calling for a full public explanation from the Regional Police Commander, a clear statement from National Security, and an official briefing from the Ghana Armed Forces, aviation authorities, and the Ministry of the Interior on the aircraft’s identity, clearance, mission, and cargo.
The group also wants assurance that no aircraft will operate in the area without the knowledge of local and regional security authorities.
The group said it is ready to cooperate with authorities and the media by providing additional information and evidence.
As at the time of filing this report, attempts to reach the Upper East Regional Minister, the Kassena Nankana West District Chief Executive, and the Regional Police Commander for comments were unsuccessful…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>