The Patriotic Action Forum (PAF), a civil society organization aligned with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued a strong condemnation of the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for its alleged attempts to suppress investigations into a cocaine smuggling incident at Kotoka International Airport. The PAF’s press release, issued on April 13, 2025, centers on the alleged harassment of Hon. Rev. Ntim Fordjour, a prominent member of the Minority in Parliament, and calls for the establishment of an independent Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate the matter. The group alleges that the attempted arrest of Hon. Fordjour at his residence is a blatant act of political intimidation designed to silence those seeking to expose the truth about the drug trafficking operation. They argue that the government is using state security agencies as tools of oppression, aiming to stifle dissent and protect those involved in the illicit activity.
Central to the PAF’s argument is the belief that the government’s actions against Hon. Fordjour are a direct attempt to obstruct justice and prevent a full accounting of the cocaine smuggling incident. They contend that by targeting a vocal critic of the government, the NDC is attempting to intimidate the entire Minority caucus in Parliament and discourage further scrutiny of the affair. The PAF sees this as a dangerous precedent, undermining democratic principles and eroding public trust in the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. They characterize the incident as a politically motivated attack designed to protect individuals within the government who may be complicit in the drug trafficking operation.
The PAF’s call for a Commission of Inquiry reflects their deep concern about the potential ramifications of the government’s alleged actions. They argue that a thorough and impartial investigation is essential to uncovering the full extent of the cocaine smuggling operation and holding those responsible accountable. The group stresses the need for a bi-partisan approach to the investigation, ensuring that it is free from political influence and that its findings are credible and trustworthy. They believe that such an inquiry is the only way to restore public confidence and demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Beyond the immediate concerns surrounding the alleged cocaine smuggling and the harassment of Hon. Fordjour, the PAF’s press release also highlights broader concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Ghana. They warn against the abuse of power and remind those in authority that political power is transient. The group cautions that the current government’s actions could have long-lasting negative consequences, eroding democratic institutions and undermining public trust in the political process. They emphasize the importance of respecting the rights of all citizens, including those who hold dissenting views or raise concerns about government actions.
Furthermore, the PAF’s defense of Hon. Fordjour underscores their commitment to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that those who expose wrongdoing are not subject to intimidation or retaliation. They argue that a healthy democracy requires individuals who are willing to speak truth to power, and that it is the government’s responsibility to protect these individuals and create an environment where they can safely report corruption and other abuses of power. By defending Hon. Fordjour, the PAF is sending a clear message that they will not tolerate attempts to silence critics or suppress dissent.
In conclusion, the PAF’s press release serves as a strong indictment of the Mahama-led government’s alleged actions and a call for greater transparency and accountability. By highlighting the alleged harassment of Hon. Fordjour and demanding a thorough investigation into the cocaine smuggling incident, the PAF is seeking to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law in Ghana. Their call for a Commission of Inquiry reflects their belief that a transparent and impartial investigation is the only way to restore public trust and ensure that those responsible for the alleged wrongdoing are held accountable. They also emphasize the importance of protecting whistleblowers and creating a climate where individuals can safely expose corruption and other abuses of power without fear of retaliation. The PAF’s strong stance on this issue signifies their unwavering commitment to fighting drug trafficking and promoting good governance in Ghana.
