The General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has criticised National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) officers over what he describes as a disregard for due process in the recent attempt to invite a Member of Parliament for questioning.
This comes after operatives of the NIB stormed the home of Assin South MP and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Interior and Defence Committee, Rev Ntim Fordjour, to execute an arrest warrant.
In an interview with the press at the home of the MP, Mr Kodua expressed his disappointment over how the situation was handled, describing the chaos that erupted as “needless and unwarranted.”
According to him, Ghana is a country governed by the rule of law, not the rule of men, and therefore, appropriate legal procedures should have been followed in inviting a sitting Member of Parliament.
Read also: ‘Suspicious flight’ saga: NIB operatives storm Ntim Fordjour’s residence to execute arrest warrant
“We are a country governed by the rule of law, not the rule of men. As a Member of Parliament, there are clear constitutional provisions and procedures by which an MP can be invited. The first question we want to ask the current administration is: Was that process followed? The answer is no.”
[embedded content]Mr Kodua further argued that if the authorities were acting in good faith, they would have written officially to the Speaker of Parliament to request the MP’s appearance before any security agency, in line with constitutional requirements, “but not this ‘rambo-style’ approach.”
He questioned why the government would choose to create such tension over an invitation when no crime had been committed by the MP involved.
“In fact, the chaos this morning was unnecessary. If the MP has not committed any crime, then this approach was totally uncalled for. At this point, we are even expecting the government to commend him, not harass him,” he added.
Rev Ntim Fordjour has alleged that two aircraft, which recently landed in the country, were involved in money laundering and illicit drug trafficking. He has since called on the government to investigate the matter and address the public on the issue.
Following his statement in a press briefing at Parliament, the government’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu, responded, refuting the allegations and describing his comments as false.
He explained that the aircraft had landed in the country due to minor technical faults and other legitimate reasons.
The development has since sparked political tension between the two major parties, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
- President Commissions 36.5 Million Dollars Hospital In The Tain District
- You Will Not Go Free For Killing An Hard Working MP – Akufo-Addo To MP’s Killer
- I Will Lead You To Victory – Ato Forson Assures NDC Supporters
Visit Our Social Media for More
About Author
