On Thursday, the minority in parliament raised concerns regarding the potential violation of Assin South Member of Parliament, Rev. Ntim Fordjour’s immunity following an attempted raid on his home in connection with recent drug trafficking allegations.
The search, which involved National Security operatives, sparked intense debate after footage of the operatives entering Fordjour’s residence went viral.
Rev. Fordjour had recently claimed that Kotoka International Airport may have been involved in suspicious drug and money laundering activities.
In response to the search, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin suggested that Fordjour’s parliamentary immunity may have been violated. He pointed out that, according to established protocol, security agencies must first submit a written request to the Speaker of Parliament before conducting a search or investigation on an MP. The Speaker would then facilitate the MP’s release.
“I don’t understand why the government is ignoring such a procedure with Parliament,” Afenyo-Markin remarked. “We will bring this incident to the Speaker’s attention. The Minister for the Interior, who is also an MP and in charge of national security, should also be informed, as we do not understand this ‘Rambo style’ approach.”
He expressed concern that similar searches in the past had followed the proper protocol, condemning the search as it created an atmosphere of insecurity for MPs.
“What we witnessed this morning was shocking. Armed police and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) officials involved makes it clear that no MP or politician is safe,” he stated. “This action is a breach of privilege and unity—it’s very obvious.”
Afenyo-Markin also highlighted that if any formal communication had been sent regarding the matter, it would have been brought to his attention, pointing out that similar procedures had been followed in past cases like those involving Kwame A-Plus and others.
In response to the search and the ongoing concerns, sources from Joy News report that the Minority in Parliament has officially petitioned the Speaker to swiftly address the issue, urging that constitutional provisions and parliamentary protocols be upheld.
The petition calls on the Speaker to investigate the incident and ensure that Rev. Fordjour’s parliamentary immunity is respected, particularly in light of the search at his home.
