Osofo Thunder Declares: I Stand By The Truth

Reverend John Ntim Fordjour's Statement

Reverend John Ntim Fordjour is the MP for Assin South. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) after officials from the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) visited his home. They attempted to arrest him. He stated, “Truth will stand always. I stand by the truth.”

The attempted arrest follows serious allegations made by Fordjour. He claimed two suspicious flights landed at Kotoka International Airport. These flights may be linked to drug trafficking and money laundering. The government denied these claims, calling them "baseless" and "unfounded."

Concerns Over State Actions

Many view the government's response as an attempt to silence critics. Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the NPP, reacted on social media. He used the hashtag #SayNoToStateIntimidation and called it political harassment.

Frimpong described the NIB's actions as a “brazen abuse of state security.” Minority MPs quickly moved to block what they called an unlawful action. They argued that this was an attack on parliamentary privilege.

Former Minister's Disapproval

Dominic Nitiwul, former Minister for Defence, spoke against the attempted arrest at Fordjour’s residence. He found it improper and damaging to Ghana’s democratic image. Nitiwul emphasized that there are protocols for dealing with MPs.

He noted that MPs should be informed through proper channels before any action is taken against them. This includes notifying the Speaker of Parliament first.

Nitiwul warned that such actions harm both the government and country’s reputation. He pointed out that Fordjour only called for investigations, not accusations against the government.

Minority Leader's Condemnation

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned the violation of parliamentary immunity. He criticized what he termed a “Rambo-style movement” by security forces.

Afenyo-Markin mentioned that Parliament had agreed on procedures for inviting MPs for questioning. Armed officers showing up unannounced breaches protocol and parliamentary privilege.

He confirmed no letter was sent to inform the Speaker about Rev. Fordjour’s situation, indicating deliberate bypassing of proper channels.

Criticism from Other MPs

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, criticized government intimidation tactics against dissenters. He questioned why armed officers were sent to Fordjour’s home over legitimate concerns.

Oppong Nkrumah stressed that even whistleblowers deserve protection from harassment under law. There are clear protocols in place when dealing with MPs.

He warned that targeting minority spokespersons sets a dangerous precedent in Ghanaian politics.

Youth Organiser's Strong Reaction

Salam Mustapha, National Youth Organiser of the NPP, condemned the attempted arrest as unacceptable in a democracy. He described it as an intimidating act by armed officers without prior notice to leadership.

Mustapha expressed shock at how many heavily armed officers were involved in this operation. He warned such militant approaches threaten democracy in Ghana.

He urged Parliament leaders and national security authorities to respect protocols when dealing with MPs. Mustapha called on young people and civil society to remain vigilant against state-sponsored intimidation tactics.

“This is not what we fought for under democratic rule,” he concluded.