Minority Informs Speaker About NIB’s “Disregard” For Lawmakers’ Arrest Protocols
The Minority in Parliament has formally written to the Speaker, Rt Hon Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, about the alleged disregard for Parliamentary protocols in the attempted arrest of the MP for Assin South Constituency, Rev John Ntim Fordjour.
In a memo, the group referenced directives issued by the Speaker and a recent letter addressed to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) spelling out the agreed procedure for engaging Honourable Members of Parliament in investigations or related matters.
“It is regrettable to note that recent events indicate a troubling pattern of noncompliance.”
It affirmed that the disregard of the protocols by the Bureau not only undermined the authority of the Office of the Speaker but also directly violated the privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament established in the Constitution.
“They pose a serious threat to the separation of powers and the respect accorded to elected representatives in the performance of their constitutional duties.”
It therefore entreated the Speaker to intervene to instil sanity.
“I respectfully urge your office to take urgent steps to reaffirm the earlier directives and engage the relevant national security heads to ensure that such interactions with Honourable Members are conducted in conformance with the Constitution and with the decorum and procedure befitting their status as representatives of the people.”
Background
On April 1, Rev Ntim Fordjour put out claims to the effect that two aircraft that landed in Ghana on March 12 and March 20 were used for drug trafficking and money laundering.
President John Dramani Mahama in response to this said he had directed requisite security agencies to engage the lawmaker to probe the allegations.
On April 3, 2025, Felix dispelled the claims, noting that their landing was legitimate and genuine.
According to him, “no contraband or unlawful commodities” were found on the aircraft after inspections by officials of the Aviation Security, Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC), National Security and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
Following failed attempts to get him to prove his claims upon his insistence, officers from the NIB stormed his residence to arrest and “compel” him to provide proof on Wednesday.
However, the intervention of some bigwigs of his party foiled the attempt after it was found that there was neither an arrest warrant nor correspondence to the Speaker of Parliament.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
