The incident involving the attempted arrest of Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, has ignited a political firestorm in Ghana, prompting accusations of political persecution from former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Bawumia, after visiting the MP, issued a strong condemnation of the action, characterizing it as an “unfortunate political persecution” orchestrated by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) operating under the direction of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. This incident, according to Bawumia, represents a dangerous erosion of democratic principles and a blatant misuse of state security apparatus for partisan political gain. He expressed concern that such actions could quickly escalate, creating an environment of fear and intimidation reminiscent of darker periods in Ghana’s history.
Bawumia’s statement directly addressed President Mahama, urging him to take immediate action to restrain the NIB and other security agencies. He emphasized the crucial role of these institutions in maintaining law and order, safeguarding national security, and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. Transforming these institutions into tools of political oppression, he argued, undermines their integrity, erodes public trust, and sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilize the country’s fragile democratic foundations. The former Vice President implored Mahama to uphold his responsibility as the head of state to ensure the impartiality and professionalism of the security services.
The attempted arrest of Rev. Fordjour, according to Bawumia, appears to be a calculated move to silence dissenting voices and intimidate political opponents. Such tactics, he warned, are incompatible with the principles of a free and democratic society. Bawumia emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law, ensuring due process, and safeguarding the fundamental rights of all citizens, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly. He pointed out that targeting elected representatives like Rev. Fordjour is a direct attack on parliamentary democracy itself and sends a chilling message to anyone who dares to criticize the government.
Bawumia, while urging his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of this perceived provocation, also issued a stern warning against a return to an era of political repression. He declared that Ghanaians would not tolerate any attempts to stifle dissent or create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. He stressed the importance of vigilance and a collective commitment to upholding democratic principles. The former Vice President’s message resonated with a clear call for accountability and transparency, asserting that those responsible for misusing state power for political ends must be held responsible.
The incident has further deepened the political divide in Ghana, highlighting the increasingly tense relationship between the ruling party and the opposition. Bawumia’s visit to Rev. Fordjour, his forceful condemnation of the attempted arrest, and his direct appeal to President Mahama represent a significant escalation in the political rhetoric. The incident also raises concerns about the potential for further political tensions and the need for a de-escalation of the situation to prevent further erosion of democratic norms and the rule of law.
Looking ahead, the handling of this incident and the response from President Mahama will be closely scrutinized by the Ghanaian public and international observers. The future of political discourse and the protection of fundamental freedoms in Ghana hinge on the government’s commitment to respecting the rule of law, ensuring due process, and upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the ongoing need for vigilance in safeguarding them against abuse.
