Former Vice-President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly condemned the political misuse of state security agencies, urging President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action to prevent such incidents.
His comments come in the wake of a botched attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to arrest Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, at his residence on Wednesday.
A call for professionalism
In a statement released after visiting the MP, Dr. Bawumia described the attempt to arrest Rev. Fordjour as an “unfortunate political persecution.”
He condemned the use of security forces for political purposes, warning that such actions represented a dangerous descent into lawlessness and intimidation.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of professionalism and accountability within Ghana’s security services, stating, “The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents.”
MP remains undaunted
Following the attempted arrest, Dr. Bawumia visited Rev. Fordjour, who was described as being in high spirits and undeterred by the incident.
“Rev. Fordjour was in high spirit and undaunted,” he said, urging party supporters to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding despite the political tensions surrounding the episode.
Dr. Bawumia assured the public that the NPP would continue to stand firm in its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and political tolerance.
“I charge all Party faithful to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding in this period of unfortunate political persecution,” he added.
Message to President Mahama
Dr. Bawumia took the opportunity to reiterate his call to President Mahama, urging him to take immediate steps to rein in the security forces and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
“I wish to reiterate my earlier submission to the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to immediately rein in his security operatives,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
“The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents.”
He further warned that Ghanaians would not tolerate a return to an atmosphere of fear and arbitrary action by state agencies. “Ghanaians will not accept this descent into lawlessness and fear,” Dr. Bawumia affirmed.
Political criticism of security agencies grows
Dr. Bawumia’s comments add to a growing wave of criticism directed at Ghana’s security institutions, which are believed by many to be acting under political directives.
This latest incident has intensified concerns about the politicization of security forces and their potential role in undermining democratic principles.
As the situation unfolds, many are calling for a restoration of professionalism, accountability, and political neutrality within the country’s security agencies to ensure that they serve the people of Ghana and not any individual political agenda.
