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The Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, has paid a solidarity visit to Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, following an attempted arrest by officials alleged to be from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
In a statement released after the visit, Dr. Bawumia confirmed that the MP was in “high spirits and undaunted,” despite what he described as a clear case of political intimidation.
“Last night, following the attempted raid by some alleged officials of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), I visited Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour… I urge all Party faithful to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding in this period of unfortunate political persecution,” the Vice President stated.
Dr. Bawumia further called on President John Dramani Mahama to rein in the conduct of state security agencies, insisting that they must not be reduced to partisan instruments used to silence dissenting voices.
“Ghanaians will not accept this descent into lawlessness and fear. Our democracy is hinged on due process and rule of law,” he added.
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has recently come under public and political scrutiny following his allegations that two aircraft landed at Kotoka International Airport carrying drugs and large sums of cash, raising suspicions of drug trafficking and money laundering.
His claims prompted a request by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for him to assist in investigations. However, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, has yet to officially grant permission for the MP to be released for questioning.
Tensions heightened on Tuesday, April 9, when the NIB operatives besieged the MP’s residence in an attempt to arrest him. This move was widely condemned by opposition figures and human rights advocates as a form of political harassment.
