NIB Storms MP’s House In Rambo Style
In a scene more befitting a Hollywood action thriller than a quiet suburb of Accra, heavily armed operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) stormed the residence of Assin South Member of Parliament (MP), Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, in what eyewitnesses have described as a “Rambo-style” raid.
Yesterday, Spintex neighbours of the MP, who is also the Ranking Member for Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, said they were greeted to the screech of tyres and the sudden appearance of mufti-clad figures, who had covered their faces with balaclavas and body armour, leaping from unmarked vehicles, weapons drawn, radios crackling, and orders barked in tense, clipped tones.
According to them, the scene was like something out of a movie and thought they were under attack, but the target, it turned out, was not a criminal kingpin or a fugitive on the run — it was a sitting Member of Parliament and ordained minister.
The NIB operatives, who were said to be acting on undisclosed instructions, allegedly linked to the two suspicious flights that landed at the Kotoka International Airport allegedly carrying drugs and cash, engaged in a standoff with the MP.
The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated that the standoff occurred because Rev. Fordjour declined to cooperate with the security officers.
“NIB officials are currently at Ntim Fordjour’s residence. They have an arrest warrant. He is refusing to cooperate. They have given him time to cooperate, failing which they will act,” he asserted.
But before the operatives could carry out their mission, however, Minority MPs as well as officers and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) arrived en masse at the MP’s residence, foiling the arrest of Rev. Ntim Fordjour.
Chanting “No intimidation!” and “We are all Fordjour!”, the MPs formed a human shield around their colleague.
“If you want to arrest him, arrest us all!” thundered Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, intimating that the country is not a banana republic. “This is the Republic of Ghana — a democracy governed by law, not by fear.”
The Minority in Parliament has raised strong concerns over what it describes as acts of intimidation and harassment by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), calling on President John Mahama to rein in state institutions and protect the democratic legacy of his administration.
Speaking at a press conference, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned the attempt by NIB operatives to arrest Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, saying the move amounted to an abuse of power and a dangerous step backward for Ghana’s democracy.
“This morning, we were shocked to hear of this intimidation and harassment from the NIB. We least expected such a step from the government, using agents of the state,” Afenyo-Markin said.
He called on President Mahama to distance himself from such actions and to focus instead on cementing his legacy.
“I don’t see him just as a politician. I see him as a statesman. This is his final term. Those working under him should help him leave a legacy—not tarnish it with episodes like this,” he said.
The Minority Leader noted that Ghana’s democratic journey has been long and hard-won, stressing that heavy-handed tactics by state institutions threaten to undo decades of progress.
“We’ve been building this democracy for years. What we’ve experienced in recent days should not be part of that legacy,” he warned.
He further stated that the caucus had officially expressed its position through Rev. Fordjour, whom he described as not only a reverend minister and politician, but also a legitimate representative of the people.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged the government to redirect its focus to pressing national issues, including unemployment and illegal mining (galamsey), which he said had not received the serious attention they deserve.
“There are serious matters for the state to consider—joblessness, the galamsey menace. So far, the government has not demonstrated seriousness in dealing with these. Yet agents of the state find time to engage in political harassment,” he said.
The Minority Leader warned that continued intimidation of political opponents could mark the beginning of the end for the current government.
“This is a democracy. If this continues, it will be the beginning of the end. It is unnecessary. Stop it. We are ready to engage—politically and constructively,” he added.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasised that Rev. Fordjour must not be made a scapegoat or used as a political example.
“Let me make this very clear: Rev. Fordjour cannot be made an example—indefinitely or otherwise. We will not stand for it,” he concluded.
Within minutes, the drama had spilled into the political arena, with the National Youth Organiser of the NPP, Salam Mustapha, daring the authorities to proceed.
“He has committed no crime. Let them try — we are ready,” he declared.
The NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, likened the operation to a “militarised ambush,” while Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah called it “an outrageous affront to democratic values.”
Rev. Fordjour, visibly composed in the midst of the turmoil, stepped out and joined his colleagues to address the crowd.
“I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but I fear no evil,” he said, quoting scripture. “Because I walk with God — and today, I also walk with the strength of 88 Mighty Minority.”
By 2:00 pm, the NIB operatives had quietly withdrawn. No arrests were made. No charges were filed.
By Ernest Kofi Adu