The attempted arrest of Reverend Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, by officers of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) sparked a strong condemnation from Minority Leader, Afenyo Markin, and ignited a demonstration of solidarity from NPP leaders and supporters. The NIB’s action stemmed from Rev. Fordjour’s alleged failure to respond to an invitation for questioning regarding his own accusations of cocaine trafficking involving two flights. This incident quickly escalated into a political confrontation, with Markin accusing the government of prioritizing “trivialities” over pressing national concerns like unemployment and the persistent galamsey crisis.
Markin’s address at Rev. Fordjour’s residence served as a platform to denounce the government’s perceived intimidation tactics against a key member of the NPP caucus and the leader of the Defense and Interior Committee. He framed the attempted arrest as a distraction from the government’s inability to address critical issues plaguing the nation. The focus, Markin argued, should be on job creation and combating the devastating environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining, rather than pursuing what he considered a politically motivated investigation. His emphasis on the severity of unemployment and the ongoing galamsey menace underscored his argument that the government’s priorities were misplaced.
The Minority Leader’s pronouncements went beyond simply defending Rev. Fordjour; they served as a broader critique of the government’s performance. By highlighting the government’s alleged preoccupation with minor issues while neglecting major concerns like joblessness and galamsey, Markin sought to portray the administration as out of touch with the needs of the people. This strategy aimed not only to defend a fellow parliamentarian but also to expose what he presented as the government’s failure to deliver on its promises and effectively govern.
Markin’s assertion that Rev. Fordjour “is not a loner” and “will never walk alone” emphasized the unified stance of the NPP caucus in this matter. This statement served a dual purpose: it bolstered Rev. Fordjour’s position and signaled a collective resistance against perceived government overreach. By positioning Rev. Fordjour as a representative voice of the caucus, Markin effectively elevated the issue from a personal matter to a broader political struggle against alleged government intimidation. This framing solidified party lines and rallied support for Rev. Fordjour within the NPP.
Furthermore, Markin’s direct challenge to the government – “Nobody should make any attempt to single him out or try to intimidate him” – reinforced the message of unwavering support for their colleague. This defiant stance aimed to deter further actions against Rev. Fordjour and signaled a willingness to confront the government head-on. By invoking religious language, stating that Rev. Fordjour “will fear no evil because he walks with his God,” Markin added a moral dimension to the defense, portraying Rev. Fordjour as not only politically supported but also divinely protected.
The culmination of Markin’s speech with the call to “focus on the issues that matter” sought to redirect public attention towards what he deemed the government’s failings. This concluding remark served as a concise summary of his central argument: the government should prioritize issues like job creation and the galamsey crisis over politically motivated pursuits. This message, delivered with passion, resonated with the gathered supporters, turning the incident into a rally against the government and a demonstration of solidarity with Rev. Fordjour. The incident, therefore, transcended a simple attempted arrest, transforming into a public display of political opposition and intra-governmental tension.
