By: Savannah Pokuaah Duah
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has strongly condemned the National Intelligence Bureau’s (NIB) raid on the residence of Assin South MP, John Ntim Fordjour, describing the Wednesday incident as a clear act of intimidation targeted at the minority caucus.”
Mr Oppong Nkrumah’s comments were made during an interview on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, following the incident.
The raid reportedly took place after the minority caucus, led by John Ntim Fordjour, raised concerns about a specific issue and called for a public inquiry. While details surrounding the precise matter that triggered the operation remain somewhat unclear, Mr Oppong Nkrumah characterized the NIB’s actions as a direct assault on the minority’s constitutional role to hold the government accountable.
“We will not be intimidated,” he declared, emphasizing the collective resolve of the minority caucus. “The minority has a right to raise issues and exercise oversight. Let’s go this way, and that oversight will be exercised. If we elect anybody to speak on any matter, that person speaks on behalf of the caucus.”
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah highlighted the presence of the entire minority leadership and members at the press briefing as a show of solidarity. “You saw the entire leadership and members of the caucus come here because he doesn’t speak on his own; he speaks for the entire caucus. Everybody was here; we had some good interactions, and there’s clarity,” he said.
He raised concerns about the legality and proportionality of the NIB’s response, referencing the Whistleblowers Act and questioning whether Mr. Ntim Fordjour was being targeted for his role as a whistleblower. “Even if the person is a whistleblower—and if you look at the Whistleblowers Act, Article 720—it clearly bars any form of intimidation against that individual. So what is all of this about?” he questioned.
Describing the scene at Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s residence, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah alleged: “Over 20 gun-wielding NIB officials were here because the minority has expressed a position on a matter and has asked for a public inquiry. I’m sure you saw them with AK-47s cocked all over the place, wearing masks and hoodies.”
He further questioned the constitutional procedures surrounding the interrogation or arrest of a sitting Member of Parliament. “Constitutionally, you cannot just pick up a Member of Parliament like that—especially when the entire minority caucus is holding a press conference on a matter, and I am elected to address it. Or he’s elected to address it—and you send about 20 gun-wielding NIB officers to his house? For what?”
He referenced the MV Benjamin case as a precedent for holding public inquiries and inquired about the remedies available if Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s parliamentary immunity had been violated. “The precedent for the MV Benjamin case was a public inquiry, so I’m interested in what remedies are available to him if it comes out clearly that his immunity or privileges were violated when he expressed a position in Parliament,” Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah added.
