Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, remains
composed and in high spirits following an attempted arrest by the National
Intelligence Bureau (NIB) at his residence in Spintex, Accra. The incident,
which occurred on April 9, 2025, has stirred widespread public and political
discourse, raising questions about legal procedures, parliamentary protection,
and the scope of intelligence operations in Ghana.
Reports indicate that a team of NIB officials surrounded the lawmaker’s
residence in an effort to detain him over comments he made concerning two
suspicious aircraft that had landed at Kotoka International Airport. Rev.
Fordjour allegedly linked the flights to possible drug trafficking and money
laundering activities. His statements, made in the course of his parliamentary
and civic duties, were seen as a bold attempt to call attention to matters that
may require urgent national investigation.
However, the arrest attempt quickly escalated into a political issue when
members of the Minority in Parliament and some executives of the New Patriotic
Party stepped in. They argued that the NIB operatives had no warrant and that
their actions violated legal and constitutional standards. The swift
intervention prevented what could have been a confrontational standoff and
helped to deescalate tensions.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, later
confirmed during an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV's "The
Point of View" program that his colleague was doing well and undeterred by
the incident. “He’s fine, in very good spirits,” he noted during the interview
aired on the same day of the attempted arrest. The calm disposition of Rev.
Fordjour, even in the face of such pressure, has drawn praise from various
quarters, especially among his supporters and political allies.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the legal boundaries of the
National Intelligence Bureau and how it exercises its mandate in a democratic
society. Many legal minds and civil society groups are calling for a thorough
review of the circumstances that led to the attempted arrest, especially in the
absence of a judicial warrant. The rule of law, according to many, must be
protected at all costs, and no agency should act outside the constitutional framework.
Rev. Fordjour’s allegations regarding the unusual air traffic at the airport
are yet to be publicly addressed by the relevant aviation and security
authorities. However, the reaction by the NIB has drawn attention to the
sensitivity of the claims and the need for proper institutional investigation.
The lawmaker’s decision to raise the matter may have been guided by a sense of
duty, especially if national security or public interest could be at risk.
The political ramifications of the incident continue to unfold. Members of
the Minority have reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights and
privileges of all parliamentarians. They see the arrest attempt as a potential
threat to the independence and freedom of elected officials. Other political
figures have echoed the sentiment, stressing that no one should be silenced or
harassed for asking important national questions.
In a show of solidarity, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is reported to
have reached out to Rev. Fordjour following the incident. Though the nature of
their communication has not been disclosed in detail, the Vice President’s
support has been warmly received and seen by many as a sign of internal efforts
to resolve the matter amicably.
The general public has also shown keen interest in the developments, with
many expressing their views through various media platforms. The call for
transparency, accountability, and adherence to lawful procedures continues to
grow. Citizens have also been encouraged to remain calm and trust in the
country’s democratic institutions to address the situation with fairness and
integrity.
While the NIB has not issued an official statement on the incident, their
actions have come under increased scrutiny. Observers are calling for clarity
on whether protocol was followed and what evidence prompted the attempted
arrest. Until such clarity is provided, speculation and concern are likely to
persist.
Rev. Fordjour has yet to release a detailed public statement but is said to
be focused on his parliamentary duties and remains committed to serving his
constituents. His demeanor throughout the incident has been described as
composed and dignified, reinforcing his reputation as a dedicated public
servant.
As discussions surrounding the attempted arrest continue to make headlines,
the expectation is that institutions of state will act within the confines of
the law, uphold democratic values, and maintain public trust through fairness
and transparency.
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