The Minority in Parliament has stopped what it describes as an illegal and politically motivated attempt by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to arrest the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.
The incident took place at the MP’s Spintex residence in Accra on Wednesday, April 9, following allegations he made concerning two suspicious aircraft that allegedly landed at Kotoka International Airport, carrying drugs and large sums of cash.
Although government officials have dismissed the claims as unfounded, the attempted arrest has sparked fears of a crackdown on opposition voices raising concerns about national issues.
Members of the Minority quickly mobilized to the MP’s residence, insisting that the NIB operatives lacked a warrant and legal basis for the arrest.
Addressing the media, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned the move, labeling it an act of harassment and a clear attempt to intimidate a sitting lawmaker.
He warned that such actions undermine parliamentary oversight and democratic accountability.
He further noted that no formal charges or documentation were provided during the incident, reinforcing suspicions of political interference.
He assured Ghanaians of the Minority’s unwavering stance in defending the principles of democracy and called on the public to remain alert and support efforts to uphold the rule of law.
The Minority has demanded a detailed explanation from the NIB and urged the Speaker of Parliament to intervene and ensure no MP is unlawfully targeted in the future.
The Minority Caucus in parliament previously raised concerns over the increasing incidents of piracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering in Ghana.
Speaking at a press briefing, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, highlighted the urgent need to preserve Ghana’s reputation as one of the most peaceful countries in Africa.
Rev. Fordjour stated, “Ghana in the past eight years, had been ranked favorably by notable global organizations as the second most peaceful country in Africa in respect of crime rate and globally, ahead of Australia and Canada.
“It is therefore imperative that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana continues to be safe and not degenerate into a safe haven for pirates, drug trafficking and money laundering.”
The Minority also revealed concerns about two suspicious flights—AirMed Flight N823AM and Cavok Air Antonov An-12B—that recently landed at Kotoka International Airport from Gran Canaria, a location known for drug trafficking and money laundering. Intelligence suggests these flights carried suspected cocaine and cash.
The Minority demanded full disclosure of the cargo contents to assure Ghanaians of airspace security.
After these concerns were raised by Ntim Fordjour, President John Dramani Mahama, him to collaborate with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Police CID, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and the National Security Coordinator to immediately investigate his claims.
Addressing the allegation, President Mahama wrote on his Facebook page, “Government takes all allegations seriously, and to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, I have directed all relevant investigative agencies – including the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Police CID, the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), and the National Security Coordinator – to immediately and fully collaborate with the honorable member of parliament so he provides all necessary information to investigate the allegations and take all action necessary to expose any drug dealing.”
Ntim Fordjour however refused to collaborate with the above mentioned agencies, resulting in Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu disclosing that the NIB was awaiting for permission from Speaker Alban Bagbin to pick up Ntim Fordjour for questioning.
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The Minority in Parliament has successfully blocked what it describes as an unlawful and politically motivated attempt by officials of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to arrest the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour. #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/njLfHQ40At
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) April 9, 2025
