Tension heightened on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, as security operatives, believed to be affiliated with the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), reportedly surrounded the private residence of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.
The claim was made public by the General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong. In a strongly worded post shared across his social media platforms, Mr. Kodua Frimpong alleged that the NIB operatives stormed Rev. Fordjour’s home in an attempt to arrest him, a move he described as politically motivated and deeply concerning.
Accompanying his post was the hashtag "#SayNoToStateIntimidation," signaling a wider protest against what the NPP perceives as an escalating pattern of political harassment and abuse of state power under the current administration.
Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic scenes unfolding at the MP’s residence. In the footage, men dressed in bulletproof vests clearly labeled "NIB" were seen standing in front of a gate, which social media users and party insiders identified as the entrance to Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s home. The video sparked immediate outrage among party supporters and political observers alike, with many questioning the legitimacy and motives behind the operation.
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, a senior member of the NPP, is a well-known figure within the legislative arm of government. In addition to representing Assin South Constituency, he serves as a ranking member on Parliament’s influential Security and Defence Committee, a role that places him at the heart of national security policymaking and oversight.
Details surrounding the specific reasons for the attempted arrest remain unclear. However, unconfirmed reports suggest that the operation may be linked to ongoing allegations involving illicit drug activities, specifically a cocaine-related investigation. No official statement from the NIB or the police service had been issued at the time of reporting, leaving room for widespread speculation and concern.
The incident has thrown a fresh spotlight on the increasingly strained relationship between opposition parties and security agencies. For months, opposition leaders have accused the current government of weaponizing state institutions, including the police and intelligence services, to silence dissent and intimidate political opponents ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to the media, several senior figures within the NPP condemned the siege, describing it as an outrageous abuse of power and a violation of Rev. Fordjour’s rights as both a citizen and a sitting member of Parliament.
“It is disgraceful that in today’s Ghana, operatives from a state security agency can besiege the home of a lawmaker without following due process or offering any justification,” one NPP spokesperson said.
Other political analysts echoed similar sentiments, warning that the use of security forces to target political figures could further erode public trust in national institutions and heighten political tensions.
“This act sets a dangerous precedent,” a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana noted. “If MPs are not safe from arbitrary actions, what assurance do ordinary citizens have?”
The NPP has vowed to resist what it calls state-sponsored intimidation and announced that it would take all necessary legal and political steps to protect its members. Party leaders are reportedly preparing to petition Parliament and international bodies over the incident, citing violations of human rights and democratic principles.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations have also expressed alarm. The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) issued a preliminary statement calling for transparency from the NIB and urging an immediate independent investigation into the matter.
“We remind the state of its obligations under the Constitution to respect the rule of law, the rights of MPs, and the principle of separation of powers,” the statement read.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, some government officials have called for calm, emphasizing the importance of allowing investigations to proceed without political interference. However, without a clear official explanation from the NIB or security agencies, public suspicion and anger continue to grow.
For Rev. Ntim Fordjour, the ordeal adds to a series of challenges he has faced in recent months. Known for his outspoken criticism of government security policies and his defense of parliamentary independence, he has increasingly found himself at odds with the executive branch. Many of his supporters believe that the attempted arrest is an act of retaliation aimed at silencing his voice.
As the situation unfolds, attention will be focused on how Parliament reacts, given that the attempted arrest of an MP — without prior notification or approval from the Speaker of Parliament — constitutes a breach of parliamentary privilege under Ghanaian law.
The Speaker of Parliament is expected to address the issue when the House reconvenes, and discussions are likely to be heated. Already, MPs across the political spectrum have begun rallying in support of Rev. Fordjour, framing the incident as not merely an attack on an individual, but an assault on the institution of Parliament itself.
Political observers believe that how the government manages this crisis will have significant implications for its reputation, both domestically and internationally, especially as Ghana approaches a critical election year.
In the meantime, Rev. Fordjour remains at home, surrounded by party loyalists and concerned constituents, as legal teams work to challenge any further attempts at what they describe as "unlawful arrest."
The broader question, however, remains: Can Ghana’s fragile democracy withstand the pressures of heightened political rivalry, or will episodes like this further polarize an already divided nation?
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