Why is a whistleblower MP being targeted with NIB arrest?

Officials from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) attempted to arrest Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, at his private residence
The attempted arrest has raised serious political questions, as the MP was reportedly targeted after raising alarm over two suspicious flights that landed at the Kotoka International Airport during a period of major cocaine seizures in the country.

Parliament Speaker Blocks Arrest
According to eyewitness accounts, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who was present at the residence during the incident, firmly opposed the arrest attempt. Citing the MP’s prior cooperation with investigative bodies, the Speaker refused to grant access to the NIB officers on grounds that the MP has already submitted evidence to the relevant authorities.
Other lawmakers present during the standoff included the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, former Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and a number of opposition MPs. Their presence, sources say, was instrumental in de-escalating the situation.

Why arrest an MP for demanding answers?
Critics are questioning the motive behind the NIB’s actions, especially since President John Dramani Mahama, in response to the allegations, had already called for a full-scale investigation into the matter.
In a Facebook statement, President Mahama emphasized transparency and accountability, stating: “I have directed all relevant investigative agencies — including NACOC, the Police CID, NIB, and National Security — to fully collaborate with the honourable Member of Parliament so he provides all necessary information.”
Given the President’s directive for cooperation, not confrontation, the aggressive move by the NIB is being widely condemned as intimidation and an abuse of power.

A breach of parliamentary privilege?
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the attempted arrest as a direct violation of parliamentary immunity.
“What we saw here was in very bad taste. If armed NIB officials can storm an MP’s home without any formal process or approval from the Speaker, then no MP is safe,” he said.
He accused the Bureau of executing a “Rambo-style operation” similar to a previous controversial arrest attempt involving the Akwatia MP.
Afenyo-Markin also denied government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s claim that a formal request had been submitted to the Speaker to release the Assin South MP for questioning.
“If any such letter existed, it would have been brought to my notice. This is not how lawful state agencies should operate,” he asserted.

President’s call for calm and clarity
While President Mahama’s directive underscores a commitment to uncovering the truth, the actions of the NIB suggest a disconnect between policy and enforcement — a gap that could further erode public trust.
With Parliament now poised to formally respond to the breach, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Ghana’s democratic institutions can withstand the strain of this unfolding scandal.