The Minority Caucus in Ghana's Parliament has formally lodged a petition with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, expressing their profound concern and disapproval over an alleged attempt by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to arrest Member of Parliament Rev. John Ntim Fordjour. The petition, which details the incident and raises serious allegations of disregard for parliamentary protocols, has escalated tensions between the legislative body and the national security apparatus.
According to the petition, which bears the signature of the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Annoh-Dompreh, the alleged attempted arrest took place at the residence of MP Ntim Fordjour on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The Minority Caucus contends that this action by the NIB represents a blatant disregard for established parliamentary protocols and constitutes an unacceptable undermining of the dignity and sanctity of Parliament.
The petition draws attention to previous directives issued by the Speaker, which explicitly outline the proper channels of communication and engagement with Members of Parliament in matters involving investigations or related issues. It also references a letter addressed to the NIB on April 2, 2025, which reiterated these protocols, emphasizing their grounding in Articles 117 and 118 of the 1992 Constitution. These constitutional provisions are designed to protect the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and ensure the smooth functioning of the legislative branch.
The Minority Caucus further alleges that the attempted arrest of MP Ntim Fordjour is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a pattern of behavior. They cite similar attempts to engage other Members of Parliament, including Hon. Yabga/Kubori, Hon. Mustapha Usif, and Hon. Kwame Asare Obeng. The Minority argues that these actions collectively pose a significant threat to the fundamental principle of separation of powers, which is a cornerstone of Ghana's democratic system. They also assert that such actions undermine the respect that should be accorded to elected representatives of the people.
In light of these serious allegations, the petition urgently calls upon the Speaker to take immediate and decisive steps to reaffirm the earlier directives regarding the proper engagement of Members of Parliament. Furthermore, the Minority Caucus urges the Speaker to engage with the heads of national security agencies to ensure that all interactions with MPs are conducted in strict accordance with the Constitution and with the decorum befitting their status as representatives of the Ghanaian people.
The petition underscores the Minority's determination to protect the integrity of Parliament and uphold the constitutional rights of its members. The outcome of this petition and the Speaker's response will be closely watched by the public and political observers, as it has significant implications for the relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government and the overall health of Ghana's democracy.
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