Tensions in Ghana’s political landscape escalated on April 9, 2025, after armed operatives allegedly from the National Invtelligence Bureau (NIB) attempted to arrest Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South.
The MP’s recent allegations regarding alleged cocaine shipments through Kotoka International Airport have ignited a political firestorm, with many within the opposition viewing the move as a politically motivated attack.
In response to the attempted raid, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia made a strong statement condemning what he referred to as political persecution.
“Last night, following the attempted raid by some alleged officials of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), I visited Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South and Ranking Member of Parliamentary Select Committee on Defence and Interior,” Dr. Bawumia said in a statement.
He reassured the public that Rev. Fordjour was “in high spirits and undaunted” despite the intimidating nature of the incident.
Dr. Bawumia called for calm among the New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters, urging them to “remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding” during this period of heightened political tension.
He also reiterated his earlier request to President John Dramani Mahama, urging the government to restrain its security operatives.
“State institutions must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents. Ghanaians will not accept this descent into lawlessness and fear,” Dr. Bawumia stated firmly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the rule of law in Ghana’s democratic system.
The backdrop to this escalating political crisis stems from Rev. Fordjour’s recent press conference, where he made explosive claims about two flights suspected of trafficking illicit drugs and large sums of money into Ghana.
Although the government has dismissed these allegations as unfounded, they have nevertheless drawn significant attention and debate.
The Minority in Parliament, led by figures such as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has condemned the attempt to arrest Rev. Fordjour, suggesting it was a retaliatory move for his outspoken remarks.
The Minority, led by Afenyo-Markin, quickly mobilized to block the attempted raid, questioning the legitimacy of the operation.
“We are not just defending an individual; we are defending the Constitution, the rule of law, and Parliament’s oversight responsibility. Where is the arrest warrant? Under whose authority was this operation sanctioned?” Afenyo-Markin asked, signaling concerns over the violation of due process and the Constitution.
In an unannounced show of solidarity, Dr. Bawumia visited Rev. Fordjour’s home later that evening. Fordjour, in a social media post, thanked Dr. Bawumia for his support, stating, “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 NIB has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attempted arrest, and no charges have been formally pressed against Rev. Fordjour.
However, the Minority has formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, calling the attempted raid “an egregious violation” of constitutional protections afforded to Members of Parliament.
The petition, signed by Minority Chief Whip Annoh-Dompreh, pointed to Articles 117 and 118 of the 1992 Constitution, which shield MPs from arrest during parliamentary proceedings without due process.
The Minority has also reminded the government of an earlier directive from the Speaker on April 2, 2025, which reiterated the proper channels for engaging MPs in matters of national security.
“This follows a recent press address held in Parliament by the Member, which was made for and on behalf of the Minority Caucus on a matter of national importance, in the execution of his parliamentary duties,” the petition reads.
The Minority expressed concern over the disregard for these constitutional provisions, warning that such actions undermine the authority of the Speaker’s office and the privileges of Parliament.
The unfolding saga has brought to the fore concerns over the increasing use of state security forces in what some perceive as politically motivated operations.
The Minority has vowed to resist what they see as a coordinated effort to intimidate and silence dissent within the legislature.
They have demanded that the National Security Minister be summoned to Parliament to address the issue and have even threatened to accompany Rev. Fordjour to the NIB if necessary, asserting their right to oversee the actions of the executive.
