Tensions escalated when the National Investigative Bureau (NIB) stormed the residence of Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South Constituency, drawing sharp criticism from Minority Leader Alex Afenyo-Markin, who condemned the government’s approach as a “breach of privilege and immunity”.
Government’s Approach Questioned
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the government had failed to follow due process, noting that “no letter has been written to the Speaker”. He described the NIB’s actions as a “Rambo style approach” and announced plans to write to the Minister of the Interior to express their concerns. This move has sparked debate about the limits of executive power and the protection of parliamentary immunity.
Show of Support for Rev. Fordjour
Top executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, converged on Fordjour’s residence to demonstrate their party’s backing. Oppong Nkrumah criticised the NIB’s intentions, stating, “The NIB wanted to arrest him and make a show of him”. He emphasised that Fordjour was simply articulating the views of the minority in Parliament.
Concerns Over Intimidation
Afenyo-Markin and other NPP leaders expressed concerns over the potential intimidation of lawmakers. “Even if the person is a whistleblower, you don’t intimidate him with gun-wielding officials of NIB,” Oppong Nkrumah said. Afenyo-Markin added, “You can’t pick an MP because he articulated the views of the minority”.
Background on Rev. John Ntim Fordjour
Rev. Fordjour is a member of the Seventh Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, representing the Assin South Constituency. He served as Deputy Minister of Education under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. Fordjour is also the Senior Pastor of Victory Bible Church International (VBCI) Higher Heights Sanctuary in East Legon . further scrutiny. The incident has significant implications for Ghana’s political landscape, particularly regarding the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
