Ghana’s Minority Caucus in Parliament is demanding answers following a controversial security operation at the private residence of Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, alleging a violation of parliamentary immunity and due process. The uproar began after video footage surfaced on social media, showing plain-clothed operatives—allegedly from National Security—conducting a search at Fordjour’s home. The operation is reportedly tied to ongoing investigations into alleged drug trafficking and money laundering, though no official charges have been announced.
Rev. Fordjour, a former Deputy Minister for Education, had days earlier raised alarm over possible illicit narcotics and money movements through Kotoka International Airport. His claims were swiftly dismissed by the Ghana Airports Company Limited, which said no evidence supported such allegations. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has condemned the operation, describing it as a potential breach of Article 117 and 118 of the 1992 Constitution, which safeguard MPs from arrest or legal searches without notifying the Speaker of Parliament—especially when the House is in session.
Afenyo-Markin noted that precedent requires prior communication with the Speaker before any such operation is carried out on a sitting legislator, citing past incidents where protocol was respected. He warned that bypassing parliamentary procedure risks eroding constitutional protections and could set a dangerous precedent. The Minority Caucus has since petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, demanding a full probe into the incident. The petition calls for clarification on whether due process was followed and urges Parliament to take swift action to protect the integrity and independence of the legislative arm of government.
As of now, National Security officials have not commented publicly on the details or legal basis of the search. The development has ignited broader debates around executive overreach, parliamentary privilege, and accountability in Ghana’s democratic system.
