The timely intervention by the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has resulted in the suspension of arrest by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
According to Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Afenyo-Markin entreated National Security to permit him to personally present Rev. Ntim Fordjour at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 10.
The attempted arrest stems from allegations made by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour regarding two suspicious flights that recently landed at Kotoka International Airport, sparking concerns about potential drug trafficking and money laundering. In response, NIB officials moved to detain him at his residence before Afenyo-Markin’s intervention led to the suspension of the operations.
Vanderpuye shed light on the events, stating that Afenyo-Markin’s plea was granted, prompting the authorities to call off the operation.
“The Member of Parliament was not in Parliament as the operation was going on. The invitation through the Speaker is only when there is an invitation. The fact that you are a Member of Parliament does not absolve you from being arrested, but it is only a privilege that you have, and that privilege is only exercised through the Speaker,” he said.
Vanderpuye also criticized the actions of the Minority at Fordjour’s residence, describing them as an unnecessary and theatrical display.
“What happened yesterday was a drama because the Minority Leader asked him whether he has not agreed with government officials on how to exercise this right. He had an agreement with our people that at any point in time, if any of his people are needed, he will voluntarily present them,” he said.
“Afenyo-Markin yesterday pleaded that he will present Ntim Fordjour today at 10 a.m. That is what led to the abrogation of the operation. Other than that, all of them would have spent the night in his house and held a vigil to prevent the National Security from exercising their duty. And because we are a listening government, we allowed and accepted his plea,” Vanderpuye added.
This development comes amid escalating tensions between Ghana’s Minority Caucus and the current administration, with concerns about state power and the rule of law. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of Ghana’s complex political landscape, where allegations of political bias and intimidation have become increasingly prevalent.
