Osofo Thunder Declares: I Stand By The Truth

Reverend John Ntim Fordjour's Statement

Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, stands by the truth. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) after officials from the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) attempted to arrest him. His message read, “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 quickly denied these claims, calling them "baseless" and "unfounded."

Concerns Over State Actions

Many view the government's response as an attempt to silence a critic. Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), reacted strongly. He wrote on social media, “#SayNoToStateIntimidation.” He described the attempted arrest as political harassment.

Frimpong stated that NIB officials surrounded Rev. Fordjour's home on Wednesday morning. He called this a “brazen abuse of state security” for political reasons. Minority MPs in Parliament acted quickly to block what they deemed an unlawful action.

Minority Caucus Response

The Minority Caucus argued that this was an attack on parliamentary privilege and due process. They condemned the actions taken against Rev. Fordjour.

Former Minister for Defence Dominic Nitiwul spoke out against the attempted arrest at Fordjour’s residence. He called it improper and damaging to Ghana’s democratic image.

Nitiwul emphasized that there are protocols for dealing with MPs during arrests. These include informing the Speaker of Parliament first.

Parliamentary Protocols Ignored

He noted that proper procedures exist for inviting MPs without incident. “You don’t send 20–30 armed men to make an arrest,” he said.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also condemned the actions taken against Rev. Fordjour. He labeled it a violation of parliamentary immunity and due process.

Afenyo-Markin criticized the government's approach as inappropriate and heavy-handed. He confirmed no letter was sent to inform the Speaker about Rev. Fordjour’s situation.

Criticism from Other MPs

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, expressed concern over government intimidation tactics. He questioned why armed officers were sent to confront a member of Parliament.

Oppong Nkrumah stressed that even whistleblowers deserve protection under law. There are clear protocols for engaging with MPs in Parliament.

He warned that if such actions continue, no one who speaks out will be safe.

Youth Organiser's Condemnation

Salam Mustapha, National Youth Organiser of the NPP, also condemned the attempted arrest of Rev. Fordjour. He described it as “militant” and unacceptable in a democracy.

Mustapha criticized sending heavily armed officers without prior notice to parliamentary leadership.

He expressed shock at how forceful this operation was conducted with over 20 masked officers involved.

Mustapha urged Parliament leaders and national security authorities to respect protocols when dealing with MPs.

He called on young people and civil society to remain vigilant against state-sponsored intimidation tactics.