Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has publicly
expressed his heartfelt appreciation to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu
Bawumia for personally visiting him after a failed attempt by National
Intelligence Bureau operatives to arrest him at his residence. The incident,
which unfolded on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Fordjour’s home in Spintex,
Accra, has sparked intense public and political debate.
According to Rev. Fordjour, the move by the security agency was not only
abrupt but politically motivated. As Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and
Interior Committee, he believes that the attempted arrest was a response to his
active role in raising issues of national concern and fulfilling his oversight
responsibilities. He claims it was part of a broader effort to stifle the
voices of lawmakers, particularly those who are vocal about transparency and
accountability in government affairs.
Rev. Fordjour took to social media to thank Dr. Bawumia, posting on his
verified X account, formerly Twitter, where he shared a photo from the visit
and a message of gratitude. In the post, he accused the current administration
of attempting to suppress Members of Parliament who are committed to their
constitutional duties. The message highlighted what he described as an act of
harassment intended to silence political dissent and frustrate parliamentary
work.
His exact words were: “Thank you very much HE Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the
visit to my residence this evening following the politically-motivated lawless
act of harassment in the attempt of the NDC government to gag MPs from
exercising their legitimate oversight.”
The tweet quickly attracted public attention and reactions from both
supporters and critics. While some praised the former Vice President for his
solidarity and leadership in times of political tension, others viewed the
development as part of an unfolding political struggle with implications for
national unity and institutional respect.
Eyewitness accounts and media reports indicate that the situation at
Fordjour’s residence became tense when the NIB officers arrived without a
warrant. Their presence prompted swift intervention from members of the
Minority in Parliament and officials from the New Patriotic Party, who
successfully prevented the arrest from proceeding. The intervention helped
avoid a public standoff that could have escalated beyond control.
As one of the prominent voices in Ghana’s legislature, Rev. Fordjour has
remained a strong advocate for security sector accountability and good
governance. His claims about the misuse of intelligence operations to target
outspoken MPs have led to calls for parliamentary debates and reviews of the
protocols guiding the operations of security agencies.
Dr. Bawumia’s visit has been interpreted by many as a powerful gesture of
political unity and reassurance, especially in times when tensions between
government institutions and opposition lawmakers appear to be on the rise.
While he has not issued an official statement following the visit, sources
close to him indicated that the former Vice President is deeply concerned about
the rule of law and the safety of elected officials in Ghana.
Public reactions to the incident have been varied, with some citizens
demanding a full explanation from the security authorities. Legal experts and
civil society organizations have also joined the conversation, urging
government agencies to strictly adhere to legal procedures and respect the
privileges of Members of Parliament. The rule of law, they argue, must not be
compromised in any circumstance, as it forms the bedrock of Ghana’s democracy.
Political analysts suggest that the event may influence future discussions
in Parliament regarding the scope of powers granted to intelligence agencies
and the potential need for reforms to prevent misuse. The public nature of the
attempted arrest and the involvement of top political figures have elevated the
issue to one of national interest.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fordjour has continued to carry out his duties with the same
determination that has characterized his tenure. He has not allowed the
incident to deter his parliamentary work or his engagement with the public. His
resolve, combined with the show of support from key figures like Dr. Bawumia,
has strengthened his image among his supporters and within his party.
This unfolding episode underscores the complexities involved in balancing
state security with democratic freedoms. It also brings to light the importance
of political maturity and legal clarity in addressing tensions between
different arms of government. As the conversation continues, many Ghanaians
will be watching closely to see how the matter is resolved and what steps are
taken to safeguard parliamentary independence in the future.
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