Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Rev. Fordjour alleged that the President engaged pastors, imams, and other religious figures during the election campaign but has since failed to involve them in discussions on LGBTQ-related matters.

He claimed that President Mahama had promised to champion a government-sponsored bill on the issue but has not fulfilled that commitment.

The MP also expressed disappointment in sections of the clergy, questioning their current stance and calling for accountability from both political leaders and religious institutions.

“President Mahama utilised pastors, imams, and other religious leaders to gain power, but now that he has succeeded, he seems to have forgotten about them. He deceived the clergy by leveraging the LGBTQ issue to win their support, and now he is no longer listening to their concerns.

“He promised a government-sponsored bill, rather than a private member’s bill, so it is now his responsibility to champion this cause, especially given his statements while in opposition. I am disappointed in the clergy for their response.

“What has President Mahama done regarding LGBTQ issues that warrants praise, particularly after Lincoln University withdrew his honorary doctorate? They issued a statement applauding the president after this withdrawal, but I fail to understand what he has done to deserve such applause.

“Instead, he has created an environment that enables the practice of LGBTQ activities,” he said.

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Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, he alleged that the party used the issue as campaign propaganda.

Rev. Fordjour questioned why President John Dramani Mahama has not acted on the bill, despite earlier assurances that he would have signed it if in office.

He further criticised the government’s current focus on basic needs, arguing that similar conditions existed previously when strong positions were taken on the matter.

“After the NDC won the elections, they reversed their stance on LGBTQ issues. They made it appear as though the NPP and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo were in favour of LGBTQ rights. They even suggested that the bill had been sent to Akufo-Addo from Parliament.

“If that were the case, then the bill should have been included in the handing-over documents for Mahama to assent to. However, Mahama later stated that due to an injunction, the bill was never sent to the president.

“Nonetheless, the NDC used this narrative as propaganda to win the elections,” he said.

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Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Rev. Fordjour questioned why the President appears to be distancing himself from the bill currently before Parliament, after previously taking a strong stance on the issue while in opposition.

He argued that the government’s present focus on basic needs contradicts earlier positions, suggesting inconsistency in handling the matter.

“If you are a Chief Security Officer (CSO) or a religious leader, consider this: President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo received an ultimatum about the LGBTQ bill even before it reached him, and he previously stated that LGBTQ issues are a low priority. Now, President Mahama is saying we need to focus on basic needs.

“This is the same Mahama who once said that if he were president, he would have signed the bill long ago. So what has changed? During the post-COVID period, the country’s priority was supposed to be basic needs, as those were critical times. Why is Mahama raising basic needs now, especially after asserting that he has brought down inflation and resolved other issues? We need to stop the hypocrisy in this country,” he said.

The MP further accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of misleading Ghanaians on the issue ahead of the elections, claiming some voters were influenced by those assurances.

Rev. Fordjour called for clarity on the government’s current position and progress on the proposed legislation.

“If the situation was bad in 2024, what has actually changed since then? Many had concerns about how Akufo-Addo handled the bill, and false claims circulated about the NPP regarding this matter. Some voters even chose the NDC because they believed the party would take action on the LGBTQ issue.

“Ghanaians believed what the NDC told them about the LGBTQ bill, but what has actually been achieved since then? They even suggested introducing a new bill to address the limitations of the first one, but what progress has been made on that front?” he questioned.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem, the lawmaker expressed strong disapproval of what he described as inconsistencies in political leadership, warning that such conduct erodes public trust.

According to him, political leaders must remain truthful and consistent in their dealings with the public.

“As politicians, we must let our yes be yes and our no be no,” he stressed, cautioning against making promises for the sake of gaining power only to abandon them once in office.

Rev. Fordjour described such actions as a “betrayal,” insisting that Ghanaians, including religious groups, should not overlook what he views as deliberate deception.

He also urged sections of the clergy to show courage and hold leaders accountable, just as they have done in the past. The former Deputy Education Minister recalled instances where prominent religious figures openly challenged former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on national issues, noting that similar boldness is needed in the current political climate.

“Renowned men of God gave ultimatums before. If certain issues had been ignored at the time, there would have been protests and industrial actions,” he said, suggesting that silence from religious leaders now could be interpreted as complicity.

Turning his attention to the current administration, he urged President John Dramani Mahama to clearly define and prioritise key national concerns, maintaining that issues such as LGBTQ+ remain significant and should not be sidelined.

Describing the situation as “hypocrisy at the highest level,” Rev. Fordjour reiterated his appeal to pastors, imams, and other faith leaders to speak up and guide national discourse, especially at a time when many citizens are looking to them for moral direction.

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Speaking on Adom FMs Dwaso Nsem, Rev. Fordjour argued that the party’s 2021 campaign messaging had heavily emphasised support for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ practices and their promotion.

“After deceiving Ghanaians for their votes, today President Mahama and NDC shamelessly denounce the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, insisting LGBTQ bill is no longer their priority because the country is still grappling with basic needs,” he said.

Earlier, at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House on Monday, March 30, President Mahama called for calm and measured dialogue on Ghana’s ongoing discussions about LGBTQ+ issues. He noted that while the topic is important, it should not overshadow more pressing national concerns, describing it as sensitive and emotionally charged. He urged all parties to approach the debate with restraint and respect for Ghanaian norms.

Rev. Fordjour questioned the shift in position, asking why concerns about basic needs were not prioritised between 2021 and 2024, a period during which the NDC reportedly used the LGBTQ issue as a major campaign tool.

“Didn’t he promise to introduce government-sponsored bill to deal with LGBTQ? What changed? What a scam!” he further queried.

According to Rev. Ntim Fordjour, the apparent change in stance reflects broader concerns among lawmakers and sections of the public who believe campaign commitments on the issue are being sidelined.

He emphasised that the matter should not be treated merely as a political talking point, but one requiring clarity and consistency from government.

The Assin South MP has called on authorities to clearly state their position, stressing that addressing pressing national challenges should not come at the expense of promises made to the electorate, particularly on sensitive social issues such as the proposed legislation.

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The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee made the remarks while contributing to the debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered by John Dramani Mahama in Parliament on February 27.

According to him, official claims of economic recovery must be weighed against the real experiences of ordinary Ghanaians, many of whom, he said, continue to endure significant hardship.

“Amid all the threats in our geopolitics and amid the threat of extremism and violent extremism and terrorism, we cannot continue to have these calls go on deaf ears,” he stated.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour argued that falling inflation or exchange rates cannot be considered meaningful achievements if they do not ease the burden on citizens.

“Today we can boast about inflation going down, we can boast about exchange rate going down, but if our citizens are feeling palpable hardship, then what is the essence of what appears to be declining?” he asked.

He also raised concerns about delays in payments owed to cocoa farmers, warning that such issues weaken confidence in the government’s economic claims.

“What shall it profit this government if you are bragging about artificial economic improvement when you are not even able to pay cocoa farmers what is due them for four good months?” he said.

The lawmaker further pointed to difficulties faced by security personnel, including delayed pensions and unpaid allowances.

“What shall it profit a country to have exchange rates that appear to be low and inflation that appears to be low, when government even fails to pay the pensions of our soldiers and the rent allowances of our hardworking prison officers?” he added.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, he said the presence of such vessels would serve as a strong deterrent to pirates and other criminal elements operating within Ghana’s territorial waters.

His comments come in the wake of a violent sea attack on Wednesday, February 25, which left more than 50 fishermen stranded after armed men reportedly fired warning shots, held them at gunpoint, and made away with seven outboard motors and other valuables.

So far, 22 fishermen have been rescued after fellow fishers towed their disabled canoes back to shore.

Rev. Fordjour indicated that the Minority is engaging the relevant authorities and supporting ongoing search and rescue efforts. He stressed that piracy is becoming increasingly frequent and worrying.

He also expressed concern over delays in appointing a substantive Defence Minister, warning that the situation could expose the country to external threats.

“Piracy is becoming a growing concern. The crisis in the defence sector is alarming. For the past few months, we have urged the President to appoint a substantive Minister of Defence. The failure to do so has made our country vulnerable to external threats. It is reckless and dangerous that the President has taken no action in this regard. The message we are sending to external actors is that we do not take our defence seriously,” he remarked.

According to Rev. Fordjour, strengthening naval capacity with offshore patrol vessels is critical to safeguarding Ghana’s waters and preventing future attacks.

“Ghana needs offshore patrol vessels along its borders to counter piracy effectively. The absence of a Defence Minister, who should provide oversight and conduct risk assessments to prevent potential threats, is troubling. Acquiring offshore patrol vessels would serve as a deterrent to those planning attacks in our waters. We need to expedite the procurement of these vessels; further delays are unacceptable.

“Let us equip ourselves with the necessary assets to strengthen Ghana’s maritime defences and effectively ward off any potential pirate threats,” he added.

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Speaking to JoyNews on Saturday at the NPP Headquarters in Accra, John Ntim Fordjour said the outcome of the internal elections reflects renewed confidence in Dr Bawumia’s leadership and the party’s readiness to unite behind a single candidate ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“After this contest, we have one train, one party, one camp, the NPP camp,” he said.

“Dr Bawumia’s victory is a win for all. It is a win for Hon Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Engineer Kwame Agyapong, and every team that contested.

Mr Fordjour stressed that the party must now rally behind its flagbearer and urged the party supporters across all camps to put aside differences and work together towards a common goal.

“We are appealing to all the rank and file to come on board. Let us wage a united campaign like never before. Let us show force, strength and unity, and recapture power in 2028,” he added.

According to him, the decisive outcome represents an overwhelming endorsement of Dr Bawumia as the leader capable of leading the party back to power.

“It is an indication of renewed confidence in the leadership of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the leader who will lead the party to victory in 2028,” he added.

Mr Fordjour noted that the campaign was guided by extensive data collection and internal surveys, which gave the team confidence going into the primaries.

“The entire team, led by Dr Bawumia, worked extremely hard. Along the way, a lot of data was collected, and surveys were conducted to guide our operations and campaign, so we knew we were going to win. The outcome is not too different from what was projected,” he explained.

Beyond the victory itself, the former minister emphasised the peaceful nature of the polls, dismissing pre-election fears of violence and internal chaos.

“Contrary to what naysayers predicted, that there would be bloodshed, chaos and acrimony, we have witnessed one of the most peaceful nationwide elections in any political party,” he said. “It was violence-free, calm, orderly, free, transparent and fair.”

He described the smooth conduct of the primaries as a sign of the party’s internal strength and democratic maturity.

“This is a strong indication of a new awakening of the strength and splendour of the New Patriotic Party as a credible political alternative. All glory goes to God,” he stated.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Rev. Fordjour described the content as dangerous and accused the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) of breaching public trust by allowing the material to be printed and circulated.

“You cannot trust NaCCA again. They breached the trust Ghanaians had in them by allowing this to come out. They printed the books themselves when their mandate is to review before printing. This is a deliberate, systematic attempt, and it is dangerous,” he said.

Rev. Fordjour insisted the issue goes beyond politics, highlighting concerns about the credibility and moral direction of Ghana’s education system. He claimed that if the controversy had not been exposed, the definition would not have been revised, and he noted that other definitions in the manual also pose challenges.

He called for the immediate recall of all hard copies of the manual, deletion of digital versions, and a clear directive to schools and regional education directors. He also urged NaCCA to convene a stakeholder meeting to agree on definitions that align with Ghanaian culture and moral values before reprinting.

“The Minister of Education needs to come to Parliament to answer on this matter and give assurances that this will not happen again,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a press release dated January 13, 2026, NaCCA acknowledged that the definition of “gender identity” in the Year Two PH&E (Elective) Teacher Manual does not reflect Ghanaian culture, norms, and values. The Council stressed that the national curriculum itself does not include such content.

According to the manual, gender identity was defined as a person’s deeply felt internal experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth, and may include being male, female, or a blend of both.

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Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show while discussing the ongoing NaCCA controversy over gender definitions, Rev Fordjour said the so-called revised version of the material still contains what he describes as problematic content, despite assurances that the issues have been resolved.

To support his claim, the MP said he reviewed the revised definitions and found that little had changed.

“In the definition, ‘sexual orientation, their sexuality’, the revised one they sent, [is defined as] a broad range of concepts related to sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, behaviours. It includes sexual orientation, sexual behaviour, and sexual identity. How is that different? It’s still the same thing,” he said.

He added that the definition of sexual orientation remains unchanged.

“It describes a person’s pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to others. The same thing remains here. It’s the same thing,” he stated.

According to him, the only noticeable changes were made to the definition of gender, while other areas he finds objectionable were left untouched.

“The only thing they have changed, only two things; every other problematic LGBT agenda still remains,” he said. “So if they change just these two and think they have cured it, they have not cured it.”

Based on this, the Assin South MP said he believes the inclusion of the content was intentional.

“That is why I conclude that it is not an error, it is not an omission, but it is a deliberate attempt to poison the minds of the people,” he said.

Rev Fordjour argued that if the issue were a genuine mistake, correcting it would have been straightforward.

“If it was an error, you just find one or two errors, and once you lift them out, it cures the mischief,” he explained. “But in this case, they are claiming that they have done a comprehensive review and determined that only gender identity and sexual rights definitions are problematic.”

He accused NaCCA of making selective changes in response to the specific concerns he raised publicly.

“When I raised only the two, they quickly went and said they had just changed those two. But all the other ones remain,” he said.

The MP urged the public to independently verify the revised material.

“Just do fact-checking,” he said. “The so-called revised one, which they have put back online, still contains all the problematic definitions under sex, under sexual orientation, under sexuality.”

Rev Fordjour warned that the continued presence of such content points to a broader agenda and poses risks to future generations.

“That is how deliberate this government wants to poison the minds of the future generation,” he added.

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Citing three reasons, Rev Ntim Fordjour said the Director General must be removed. “The Director General of NaCCA must be fired for one, sleeping on the job; two, being complicit in this grand LGBT agenda; and thirdly, coming to spill falsehoods to Ghanaians,” he said.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, January 14, while discussing the ongoing NaCCA curriculum case and issues surrounding gender definition, Rev Fordjour said the Council failed to properly review the material before it was printed, distributed, and taught in classrooms.

According to him, NaCCA’s claim that the content had been reviewed is false, insisting that the disputed definitions remain in the so-called revised version of the manual.

“As we speak, their so-called revised version, which they edited yesterday, still bears the definition of sex, sexuality, and sexual orientation as pertained in this book,” he said.

He said that any genuine review should have taken place before the manuals were printed and circulated nationwide.

“If they indeed did their job well and they didn’t sleep on the job, or it’s not their deliberate agenda, before the book will even be printed, that is the time to do a review. You don’t do reviews when you have already printed the wrong things, circulated it, enforced it, and it has already been taught for two weeks in the classroom.”

He described NaCCA’s explanation as misleading, saying the content was only edited after concerns were raised publicly.

“That is a lie. Because if they reviewed it, they would have flagged it even before going to print. We flagged it just yesterday. Go online and you’ll see it. Just yesterday, they edited it. So that is a big lie.”

He said that the most urgent concern is that the teacher manuals are still in circulation and actively being used in schools. “As we speak, this is the teacher manual in the hands of teachers. This is what is really important,” he said.

The Assin South MP questioned why no formal directive has been issued to withdraw the manuals or guide teachers on how to address what he described as harmful content already taught.

“Have you seen any directive directed at heads of schools, regional directors of education, teachers, and HODs in physical education that henceforth we are recalling all teacher manuals, that they must relinquish them and discard them from classrooms?” he asked.

He further criticised NaCCA’s response as slow and reactive, saying it took several hours after the issue was raised for the Council to issue a statement, which he described as poorly written and error-filled.

“It was just yesterday, reactively and rather irresponsibly and incompetently, after we had flagged it, that they released the statement. It was riddled with a lot of mistakes and errors,” he said.

Rev. Fordjour also cited a separate interview conducted by Joy FM with the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), stating that they are not aware of any steps taken by NaCCA.

“They said they are not aware of any steps NaCCA has taken to enforce whatever they are saying they are going to do by recalling these manuals. So who did they write to? Who did they give that instruction to? And what steps are they taking?”

“These books are still in the classrooms, and teachers are being forced to teach this poison to our students,” Rev Fordjour added.

The Assin South MP made the allegation in a social media post on Tuesday, January 13, in which he criticised the printing and distribution of teacher manuals and other teaching and learning materials to schools.

According to the former Deputy Minister for Education, the NDC has “mischievously and deliberately smuggled LGBTQ agenda into the curriculum,” despite what he described as the party’s public posture of opposing LGBTQ issues.

NDC has mischievously and deliberately smuggled LGBTQ agenda into the curriculum, printed and distributed Teacher Manuals and other Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) to promote LGBTQ contrary to their deceptive rhetoric of being the party which abhors LGBTQ.

He alleged that the materials were designed to promote LGBTQ sexuality education in schools, contrary to Ghanaian cultural and moral values.

“The NDC has printed and distributed Teacher Manuals and other Teaching and Learning Materials to promote LGBTQ, contrary to their deceptive rhetoric of being the party which abhors LGBTQ,” he stated.

He demanded the immediate recall of all teacher manuals and textbooks that, in his view, propagate the agenda, both in print and online.

NDC has mischievously and deliberately smuggled LGBTQ agenda into the curriculum, printed and distributed Teacher Manuals and other Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) to promote LGBTQ contrary to their deceptive rhetoric of being the party which abhors LGBTQ.

We demand the… pic.twitter.com/SddkYnLLwC

— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) January 13, 2026

“We demand the immediate recall of all the Teacher Manuals and Textbooks propagating NDC’s LGBTQ agenda from schools,” he said, adding that affected portions of the curriculum must be reviewed and sanitised without delay.

He also cautioned the government against using the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) and the Ministry of Education to advance what he termed “this vile and evil agenda”.

Rev. Fordjour further linked the alleged curriculum changes to the continued delay in Parliament’s consideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

He described the situation as “diabolical and dangerous”, arguing that it explains why the private member’s bill has not been placed on the Order Paper.

“Let us rise up to resist the NDC LGBTQ agenda,” he urged, calling on the public to oppose what he sees as an attempt to undermine Ghana’s values through the education system.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Rev. Fordjour stressed that teachers must be properly motivated if the country expects stronger learning outcomes.

“The best course of action is that funding must be released to the Ministry of Education to drive outcomes in our education system. Teachers should also be paid their allowances,” he said.

He cautioned the government against blaming teachers for poor academic results, insisting that the sector needs collaboration, not confrontation.

Rev. Fordjour also called for deeper partnerships with mission schools, which he described as institutions that consistently produce some of the nation’s top-performing students.

“The government should work with teachers instead of blaming them for students’ poor performance. Rather than assigning blame, the focus should be on motivating teachers to help students succeed. The government should also build positive partnerships with mission schools because they often have the highest-performing students,” he added.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Rev. Fordjour said he was “very disappointed” that the GES claimed the results reflected the true academic performance of students. He argued that the explanation offered raised serious concerns about the level of thinking and professionalism within the education sector.

“I was very disappointed in the GES statement… If this is the thinking of our Education Ministry, then it is worrying,” he said.

“What they wrote is a propaganda tool to respond to Dr. Adutwum’s claim. Whoever sanctioned the statement must be fired by now; he doesn’t deserve that position.”

Rev. Fordjour further cautioned that retaining such a statement could have long-term consequences, insisting that it undermines public confidence in Ghana’s examination system.

“If they don’t withdraw it, anytime results improve, people will say it is above the average strength of the Ghanaian student. It indicts the integrity of our examination,” he warned.

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His comment follows the President’s announcement that he is in no rush to appoint replacements for the late Defence and Environment Ministers, assuring that both positions will be filled next year after the Christmas holidays.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Tuesday, November 25, the Assin South MP said the decision is dangerous at a time when Ghana faces heightened security threats on multiple fronts.

“It is very unfortunate on the part of President Mahama. Deferring the appointment of a substantive Defence Minister indefinitely to 2026 is reckless, it is dangerous, and it puts national security at risk,” he stated.

Mr Fordjour argued that the country is currently grappling with a complex mix of security crises – including violent extremism, terrorism threats, and an increasingly sophisticated galamsey network armed with high-grade weapons.

He also cited the Gbenyiri conflict, which has displaced more than 48,000 people, including 23,000 who have become refugees—10,000 in Burkina Faso and 13,000 in Côte d’Ivoire.

According to him, these developments require strong, focused leadership at the Defence Ministry.

“In the midst of the sub-regional geopolitics and the threats we face, and in the midst of the heightened insecurity we face currently, I don’t know what else the President is waiting for before he prioritises our security,” he said.

The MP further noted that Ghana’s commitments under the Accra Initiative, which includes the implementation of a regional military strategy to build resilience against violent extremism, are currently challenged. This, he stressed, makes the absence of a substantive Defence Minister even more worrying.

He warned that delays in appointing a full Defence Minister could compromise Ghana’s defence posture and overall national security strategy.

“We are looking at a key actor in our national security architecture and in our regional collective fight against security threats. To combine a ministry such as Defence with Finance under one person acting is really, really misconceived,” he stressed.

According to the caucus, it has been five weeks since Speaker Alban Bagbin announced that the revised version of the bill was undergoing final fine-tuning to facilitate its smooth passage. Yet, the bill has still not been brought back to the House for consideration.

Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament on Friday, November 21, the lead sponsor of the bill, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, urged that it be scheduled on the order paper next week.

“It is five weeks since Mr Speaker gave that ruling, yet no attempt has been made by this House to address the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, even as the cancer of LGBTQ continues to devastate our norms and threaten our family values,” he said.

He warned that Parliament must not give the impression that a bill considered a priority in the previous Parliament has been abandoned. Ntim Fordjour alleged that the government is blocking the bill from being listed for discussion, a development he described as disappointing to Ghanaians. He insisted the matter be corrected if it was due to an oversight.

However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected the claims, stating that the government has no intention of obstructing the bill’s return and assuring the House of the Mahama administration’s commitment to ensuring its passage.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Rev. Fordjour expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and the injured, describing the incident as “deeply unfortunate.” He urged a comprehensive investigation to identify the lapses that led to the disaster and cautioned against rushing to blame the military.

“This is not the first recruitment since pre-independence, and such an incident has never happened before. No one should criticise the Armed Forces, but we must investigate what went wrong,” he said.

Rev. Fordjour recommended decentralising recruitment centres to improve crowd control and prevent future tragedies. He also criticised what he described as a leadership deficit at the Defence Ministry, noting that the Acting Minister — who also serves as Finance Minister — is preoccupied with budget preparations.

“The leadership crisis at the Ministry of Defence is dangerous and reckless for our country. The acting Defence Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, is preoccupied with the budget statement he will be presenting in Parliament tomorrow. He has little time to oversee and review operational duties at the Defence Ministry. We need full-time leadership. Someone should have been appointed to oversee the recruitment process. Everything should be suspended and thoroughly investigated,” Rev. Fordjour said.

He reiterated his call for the suspension of the recruitment exercise until a full inquiry establishes the causes of the stampede and appropriate safety measures are implemented.

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“The process must be halted immediately. Halt it immediately and let us prioritise lives,” Rev. Fordjour stated on JoyNews midday news following the tragic incident.

He described the development as deeply saddening and stressed the urgent need to review the recruitment process to ensure proper crowd management and safety protocols.

“As we halt it, we need to get back to the table and review the entire process,” he suggested.

The lawmaker also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the disaster, insisting that accountability and reforms are essential to restore public confidence in the recruitment exercise.

“A full investigation has to be undertaken to establish the facts, and reviews must be implemented to ensure we can save lives,” Rev. Fordjour added.

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It has been almost three months since the passing of the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who held the defence portfolio.

Despite the critical nature of the ministry, President Mahama is yet to nominate a substantive successor, a move Rev. Fordjour says is endangering the nation.

“Nearly three months without a substantive Defence Minister is a dangerous gamble and reckless potential compromise of our territorial integrity. What a dangerous inaction!” the MP wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page on Saturday, October 25.

Rev. Fordjour’s statement comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with ongoing tensions and instability in border regions such as Gbenyiri, Sampa, and conflict-prone Bawku, as well as the persistent threats posed by illegal mining syndicates.

According to recent reports from the Ghana Refugee Board, more than 23,000 Ghanaian citizens have crossed into neighbouring countries in recent months, fleeing violence and insecurity.

The MP questioned the President’s reluctance to fill the vital post, raising concerns about leadership within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its ability to respond to the country’s defence needs.

“No serious country will run three months without a substantive Defence Minister,” Fordjour asserted, demanding immediate action to reinforce the Ghana Armed Forces and protect the nation’s borders.

Security analysts have noted that the protracted vacancy comes amid a regional surge in cross-border crime, armed incursions, and the threat of extremist violence spilling into Ghana from the Sahel.

The Defence Ministry oversees not only the military but also key national security operations and international defence partnerships.

A leadership vacuum, experts warn, could slow response times, affect morale within the ranks, and weaken Ghana’s security posture.

While the Presidency has yet to respond publicly to Rev. Fordjour’s criticism, opposition and civil society groups have echoed calls for swift appointment to the ministry, emphasising the need for continuity and strong leadership.

Rev. Fordjour ended his critique with an appeal for President Mahama to act urgently, arguing that the stability and safety of millions depend on decisive leadership.

He asked pointedly whether there was “no suitable person in the NDC who can be trusted” to take up the role, amplifying public debate about the government’s succession planning and crisis management protocols.

As insecurity grows and pressure mounts, the spotlight remains firmly on the Presidency to fill the critical gap and reassure Ghanaians of the government’s commitment to national defence.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the former Deputy Education Minister said the current administration has worsened the challenges Ghanaians previously complained about under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

“Ghanaians have realised that what they claimed they didn’t want, this government is doing worse. They promised superior education, yet everything they’ve done in relation to education has failed,” Rev. Fordjour stated.

He described the reported payment of GH¢30,000 for school placement as “appalling” and argued that such practices undermine the free SHS policy.

“Paying 30,000 cedis is no longer free SHS. If this continues for at least two years, they will realize that the NPP was doing well with the country before we were voted out,” he said.

His comments follow revelations by Akrofuom MP Joseph Azumah that some individuals allegedly paid large sums to secure school placements for their wards, allegations that have prompted the Ministry of Education to launch an urgent investigation.

A statement signed by Deputy Minister Dr. Clement Apaak on Wednesday, October 22, said the Ministry was treating the matter with utmost seriousness and had referred it to National Security for thorough investigation.

Source: Farida Seidu| Adomonline

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In an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Rev. Ntim Fordjour clarified that legal challenges, not presidential inaction, prevented the bill from reaching the President’s desk for consideration.

“I have never said that anyone can blame President Nana Akufo-Addo for our loss. Neither did I say that President Akufo-Addo failed or refused to sign assent to the bill,” he said.

“When the hands of Parliament were stayed and enjoined from transmitting the bill, the President could not even have the privilege of receiving it to take a decision upon.”

The MP explained that from the early stages of the bill’s journey through Parliament, it faced multiple legal hurdles.

These challenges, he said, started from the first reading and stakeholder engagements through to the amendment stages.

“Even before the third reading, there were many legal challenges. A lot of dissenting opinions tested it in court, and determinations were made,” he noted.

According to Rev. Ntim Fordjour, just when Parliament thought all legal issues had been resolved and the bill could be transmitted, a fresh lawsuit emerged.

This new legal action placed an injunction on Parliament, effectively halting the process of forwarding the bill to the President.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, passed by Parliament in 2024, has sparked intense national debate, with supporters calling for swift presidential assent and critics raising constitutional and human rights concerns.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour maintained that it would be “unfair” to blame the former President for delays in the process, stressing that legal processes beyond the control of the Executive stalled the transmission of the bill.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Speaking in an exclusive interview on Joy News’ AM Show, the former Deputy Education Minister expressed confidence that the legislative process will be smooth, stressing that most of the contentious issues surrounding the bill have already been addressed.

“Within 3 months to 6 months, we should be able to pass this bill. We’ve had bills more complex than this, which even came under a certificate of urgency. So, I don’t see why this should go beyond three months,” Rev. Fordjour said.

The MP explained that the current bill is not starting from scratch, as extensive consultations and debates have already taken place in the previous parliamentary session.

This, he believes, should accelerate its passage once it goes through the standard legislative stages.

He also noted that if the level of bipartisan support shown earlier is maintained, the bill should not extend beyond the current parliamentary meeting.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-LBGTQ+ bill, has generated significant national and international debate.

It seeks to criminalise same-sex relations and activities deemed to promote LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.

The bill is expected to be laid before Parliament this week for its first reading before being referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for consideration.

Source: Caleb Ahinakwah  

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Joy News AM Show, Rev. Ntim Fordjour stressed that the bill, which has already been advertised on the Order Paper, is of urgent public interest and should be taken up without delay.

“Any time between today and tomorrow — I do not even think that it should go beyond today because it is already advertised and it’s a matter of urgent public interest,” he said.

He added that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has consistently expressed his support in principle for the bill and is expected to facilitate its swift presentation.

“I expect that today at 2:00 p.m., when Parliament reconvenes, it should be one of the first bills that should be called for first reading. Consequential referral to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs will be done by the Speaker,” he explained.

The MP noted that after the first reading, the Committee will invite the bill’s sponsors, a bipartisan group of MPs including Sam George, and other co-sponsors, for further engagement.

The subsequent legislative processes will then follow, leading to the second and third readings before passage.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LBGTQ+ bill, has been one of the most polarising pieces of legislation in recent years.

The earlier version of the bill, passed in 2024, was stalled after legal challenges and a court injunction prevented Parliament from transmitting it to the President for assent.

This new move to re-lay the bill marks a renewed push by its sponsors to ensure its passage ahead of the 2025 legislative calendar.

The bill seeks to criminalise certain LGBTQ+ activities and promote what its sponsors describe as “Ghanaian family values,” but it has also drawn criticism from human rights advocates and sections of the international community.

Source: Caleb Ahinakwah  

Rev. Fordjour had criticised proposals by Sam George and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, to increase the maximum enlistment age from 27 to 35 years, suggesting that the idea was politically motivated and aimed at paving the way for “NDC footsoldiers” to join the military.

In a sharp rebuttal posted on Facebook, Sam George described his colleague’s comments as “ill-informed” and “divisive,” while defending his position that the military’s age ceiling should be reviewed to reflect global best practices.

“Sometimes, just sometimes, silence makes one appear wise and knowledgeable,” Sam George wrote sarcastically. “The logic espoused by my friend and colleague is so rich that I am lost for words. Let us celebrate the depth of his knowledge and the latitude of his wisdom.”

The Ningo-Prampram legislator maintained that the current age restriction unfairly excludes many capable and patriotic Ghanaians who remain physically fit and qualified to serve.

He further mocked Rev. Fordjour’s claim that individuals between the ages of 18 and 27 are “not Ghanaian enough” to be NDC footsoldiers, describing it as “deeply flawed and dangerous reasoning.”

“NDC footsoldiers only qualify to be footsoldiers once they are 28 years old, and those between 18 and 27 years are not Ghanaian enough to serve,” he wrote, pointing out what he called the absurdity of the argument.

Sam George concluded his post with a veiled dig at the New Patriotic Party, writing:

“Massive respect to the NPP’s lead person on Defence and Interior. He is the best they have. They truly have the men.”

The debate over the GAF recruitment age has sparked widespread public discussion, with proponents arguing for a more inclusive approach and critics warning against political interference in the military’s recruitment process.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Rev. Ntim Fordjour stressed that equipping the military with the necessary resources and logistics should be prioritised to enhance operational effectiveness, rather than altering recruitment criteria.

“If there is any call the NDC wants to bring into the Ghana Armed Forces at this point in time, it is support, it is retooling, it is resourcing and so that should be the priority we should be disguising,” he said.

He added that “The Ghana Armed Forces doesn’t need a review in its age limit, what they need is resources, they should make releases to them, goods and services are not been released, they dont have the kind of resources they need to run the way we want them to run, they are suffering, they need releases. That should be the calls Hon. Sam George and Hon. Defeamekpor must join in order to advocate for the Ghana Armed Forces.”

His remarks follow calls by two Members of Parliament from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sam George, MP for Ningo-Prampram and Minister for Communications, and Nelson Rockson Defeamekpor, MP for South Dayi, for the upper age limit for military recruitment to be increased from 27 to 35 years.

The MP also argued that such a call by his colleagues is needless.

Currently, the Ghana Armed Forces recruits personnel between the ages of 18 and 27.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour argued that the focus should be on strengthening the institution to meet contemporary security challenges rather than changing the age structure of its recruits.

“They also need the kind of equipment to make them formidable as we always want them to be,” he emphasised.

Source: Albert Kuzor

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In a social media post on Saturday, September 27, the Assin South MP criticised President Mahama for what he described as an insensitive endorsement of illegal gold mining.

He referenced remarks by the President during a press briefing, where Mr Mahama reportedly stated: “gold, whether from illegal or legal sources, at least since it is our environment that is being destroyed, we must enjoy the benefits rather than foreigners enjoying it.”

Rev. Ntim Fordjour argued that under Mr Mahama’s leadership, rivers such as the Ankobra and others treated by the Ghana Water Company have worsened.

He accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of scrambling for forests and rivers to exploit for profit, despite previously promising to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining while in opposition.

The Assin South legislator further challenged President Mahama to honour his own pledge by immediately declaring a state of emergency on illegal mining.

He urged the government to publish daily turbidity levels of all rivers, ban the importation of water, and take decisive action against the menace in line with promises made by members of Mr Mahama’s cabinet.

“It is unconscionable to destroy our river bodies and forests just to make money for your government and party apparatchiks,” he warned, stressing that prioritising gold over livelihoods and the environment would have devastating consequences for ordinary Ghanaians.

ALSO: Myjoyonline

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In a social media post on Monday, August 18, Rev Fordjour accused Mr Ablakwa and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in “petty politics” over presidential travels.

“Mr Principle, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana is expecting your resignation. NDC must apologise to Ghanaians and Prez Akufo-Addo for doing petty politics with presidential travels,” he wrote.

He argued that safety concerns surrounding the current presidential aircraft were too serious to be trivialised and urged a pragmatic approach to resolving the matter.

The lawmaker further pressed government to take decisive action by presenting a proposal for the acquisition of a new jet to safeguard the President’s security and dignity during international duties.

According to him, national interest must take precedence over political point-scoring, stressing that the President’s safety is a matter of urgency.

Mr Principle @S_OkudzetoAblak, Ghana is expecting your resignation. NDC must apologize to Ghanaians and Prez Akufo-Addo for doing petty politics with presidential travels. Govt must be bold to submit proposal for the acquisition of new Presidential Jet for the President’s safety. pic.twitter.com/oleluP6uX2

— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) August 18, 2025

Source: Adomonline.com

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In a press statement issued on Tuesday, July 29, the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee described the reports circulating on social media as “malicious” and “false.”

“I wish to state unequivocally that such headlines, captions, and statements are false and are only intended to create public disaffection for me,” he said.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour emphasized that he has never, at any time, issued threats of bloodshed or violence in any electoral process.

“I want to assure the general public that under no circumstances will I be involved in acts of violence—much less threatening the same,” he added.

Reaffirming his long-standing opposition to electoral violence, he pointed to his consistent public calls for peace and accountability.

“I have on many occasions urged the State to take steps to prosecute perpetrators of such offences to serve as deterrence and to prevent violence and bloodshed in future elections,” the MP noted.

He urged the public to disregard the reports and “treat them with the contempt they deserve.”

Rev. Fordjour also cautioned those behind the false claims to desist from such actions, warning that they harm the reputations of innocent individuals and pose a threat to national peace and stability.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Read the full statement below:

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Rev. Fordjour claimed the NDC is using financial muscle to acquire lands indiscriminately.

“In just seven months that they have come to power, unless they don’t see a land, they don’t even care who the owner is; they will use money to take over the land,” he alleged.

He further described the ongoing dismissals as alarming and unjust, warning that the true scale of the situation may be worse than reported.

“The number of dismissals that has been reported could actually be much higher than what is currently known,” he said.

According to him, the act amounts to a desecration of a national monument and a blatant attack on the country’s cultural values.

In a tweet posted on Thursday, June 26, the MP blamed former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he described as the growing moral decay in society, accusing them of enabling LGBTQ+ advocacy through their leadership.

“Under Mahama & NDC, foreign gay couple boldly desecrate our national monuments: kiss under Independence Square, flaunting Ghana flag. They’re emboldened to defy the dignity and sanctity of our rich Ghanaian values right before our eyes,” Rev. Fordjour tweeted.

The backlash follows the release of photos by South African couple Lue and Rue, who visited Ghana as part of their #ShowGhanaLove campaign.

Their images, taken at iconic landmarks including the Independence Arch, were intended as a peaceful protest against Ghana’s proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation.

While the couple framed the campaign as a call for inclusion and love, the gesture has sparked outrage on social media, with critics labeling it disrespectful to Ghana’s heritage and culture.

Rev. Fordjour said the incident underscores the urgent need to pass the legislation to protect the country’s moral and cultural foundations.

“We shall end this absurdity with the bill,” he asserted.

Read the tweet below:

Under Mahama & NDC, foreign gay couple boldly desecrate our national monuments: kiss under Independence Square flaunting Ghana flag. They’re emboldened to defy the dignity and sanctity of our rich Ghanaian values right before our eyes. We shall end this absurdity with the bill. pic.twitter.com/yBARixx4Gs

— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) June 26, 2025

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Describing the statement as false and misleading, Mr. Genfi questioned the motive behind spreading what he called misinformation.

“Ntim Fordjour’s claim that most of the generals who went on early retirement this year have six more years to serve in the military is a falsehood. Why is he spreading all this false information? It’s not good,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show.

Mr. Genfi clarified that the officers who retired following the appointment of the new Chief of Defence Staff were aged between 60 and 62, which falls within the standard retirement bracket for their ranks.

He further explained that changes in military leadership and promotions are routine following a change in government, and such processes are guided by long-standing traditions and regulations within the Ghana Armed Forces.

“This is not the first time there has been a change in government. When a new president takes office, it is normal for changes and promotions to happen,” he added.

Watch the video below:

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In a statement issued on Thursday, May 16, 2025, Rev Ntim Fordjour expressed surprise over media reports suggesting legal action had been taken against him.

He emphasized that no official court documents had been delivered to him.

“I have taken notice of media publications regarding an alleged suit filed by the Honourable Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Mr Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor,” he noted. “However, I wish to clarify that I have not been served with any such legal documents.”

Rev Ntim Fordjour, who also serves as the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, described the alleged lawsuit as unfounded and politically distracting.

“I am not perturbed by this apparent legal stunt. I will await the proper service of the alleged suit and respond accordingly to demonstrate its lack of merit,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing media speculation that Mr Dafeamekpor has initiated legal proceedings against him, although details of the alleged case are yet to be disclosed.

I haven’t been served any lawsuit – Ntim Fordjour responds to Dafeamekpor

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The suit was filed at the Accra High Court on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, following a post Rev. Fordjour made on X (formerly Twitter) on May 8, 2025.

The former Deputy Education Minister had demanded that the Majority Chief Whip, as Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee, provide answers regarding some alleged payments made while in opposition.

However, Dafeamekpor has categorically dismissed the claims as “false, malicious,” and made with reckless disregard for the truth.

He emphasized that he was not even a member of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee in December 2023, when the incident allegedly occurred.

According to him, the social media post has gravely damaged his reputation, integrity, and political standing, and has caused “serious injury to his character,” economic losses, and public ridicule.

Mr. Dafeamekpor is seeking a declaration that the statements were defamatory, along with several remedies, including an interlocutory and perpetual injunction restraining Rev. Fordjour from making further publications.

He is also demanding a retraction and public apology in both print and on social media, and damages exceeding GH₵30 million.

Additionally, he is requesting aggravated, punitive, and compensatory damages, as well as legal costs and any other relief the court deems appropriate.

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In a post shared on social media, the MP alleged that some individuals—whom he claims have never held formal employment—are publicly flaunting expensive gadgets and luxury vehicles, including a $450,000 Range Rover Autobiography.

He argued that the value of these items could instead be used to build classroom blocks in their communities.

Ntim Fordjour criticised what he described as a “toothless” Code of Conduct, arguing that it fails to hold such officials accountable.

He also mocked NDC supporters for enduring hardship under the same leadership they defend online.

“You worked, they’re chopping!” Fordjour stated, urging citizens to demand transparency and accountability from government appointees.

In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, April 23, Rev. Fordjour labelled the suspension as a “politically motivated act” that threatens the independence of the judiciary.

The Chief Justice was suspended on Tuesday, April 22, following recommendations from the Council of State after multiple petitions were submitted seeking her removal. However, Rev. Fordjour dismissed the grounds for her suspension as “unconvincing” and “dangerous for the future of Ghana’s democracy.”

“Yes, you may not be the first President to go down in history as the one who removed a Chief Justice on grounds of personal dislike. But that’s certainly not a noble and enviable precedent to follow either,” he wrote.

He further accused President Mahama of seeking to “entrench political control over independent institutions,” warning that such actions undermine the principles of good governance and the rule of law.

“The independence of the judiciary is paramount to the integrity of our democratic pursuit,” Fordjour asserted, adding that the move appears designed to replace the Chief Justice with a politically loyal appointee.

The MP urged civil society organisations, religious leaders, the diplomatic community, and citizens to speak out against what he described as a “vindictive and destructive course.”

Rev. Fordjour also linked the suspension to what he called a broader pattern of troubling actions under Mahama’s current tenure, including “unfair mass job terminations, violent political intimidation, unresolved power outages, and illicit activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering.”

See the post below:

Your Excellency Mr President, under your watch, as part of your reset agenda, politically-motivated witch-hunting has seen the mass termination of thousands of jobs in the public sector. As if that was not enough, your brazen determination to remove the Chief Justice reveals…

— John Ntim Fordjour MP (@NtimFordjour) April 23, 2025

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, April 14, Rev. Fordjour painted a grim picture of the situation in the troubled Bawku enclave, describing it as a fast-deteriorating humanitarian and security crisis.

“The death toll is rising. People are living in fear. Children can’t go to school,” he lamented.
“No essential services are thriving at the moment. Teachers, doctors, and nurses are refusing postings to Bawku.”

He warned that the long-standing tribal conflict has now morphed into a dangerous standoff between factions and state security personnel.

“We’ve seen a worrying trend — the new dimension of the conflict seems to be taking shape between one of the feuding factions and the security services,” he stated.
“It seems like some reprisals are happening between the youth on one side and the police, and that is very dangerous. Because the security is there to ensure the protection of our citizens.”

Rev. Fordjour cautioned that the deepening hostility toward law enforcement threatens the foundations of peace and stability.

“If the dimension of the conflict now extends beyond tribal grievances into clashes with the security agencies who are there to protect them, that can also be very dangerous.”

Calling for immediate restraint on all sides, Rev. Fordjour stressed the urgent need for calm.

“Bawku deserves peace. For peace to prevail, we want all feuding parties to exercise absolute restraint. That will help minimise reprisal attacks. Because if one faction thinks they’ve been attacked and they also go on to reprise, then further escalation is inevitable.”

Beyond restraint, he advocated for a non-partisan, united front to resolve the crisis.

“Government has to step up a bit more,” he urged, emphasizing the need for an approach devoid of political undertones.

“This conflict cannot be politicised. Every politician must remove political tendencies, undertones, and underpinnings from this conflict.”

Rev. Fordjour also criticised political statements in past election cycles, warning that certain pronouncements have only served to inflame tensions.

“We’ve heard promises made just before elections — some suggesting that when a certain party is in power, Bawku conflicts escalate, and when another party is in power, it dies down. This is not the time for that. We must refrain from it.”

He further expressed concern over the alarming proliferation of sophisticated weapons in the conflict zone.

“The kind of weapons our brothers and sisters have access to in Bawku is really troubling,” he stated.
“It’s dangerous. It’s part of the reason why there’s this seeming confidence to even have a standoff with security agencies.”

He called for an urgent investigation into the flow of weapons into the area and decisive action to dismantle the supply chain.

“Wherever the source of this weaponry is, government needs to act urgently,” he declared.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Rev. Fordjour reaffirmed the minority’s support for a unified national effort to restore peace.

“We are supporting the government. All of us must come together, depoliticise this matter, support Otumfuo-led mediation, and restore lasting peace.”

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The policy analyst cautioned that such actions do not align with the leadership tone set by President Mahama or the maturity Ghana’s democracy has achieved.

Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile, Senyo Hosi questioned the judgment behind what appeared to be a dramatic enforcement response to the yet-unsubstantiated claims made by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence Committee.

“Did we really need to have that grandstanding trying to arrest the man?” Senyo Hosi asked. “I think that our democracy has moved on. This showmanship was not necessary. It’s not reflective of the tone of the President. It’s not reflective of the maturity that we’ve attained.”

Rev. Ntim Fordjour had alleged that aircraft carrying “suspicious content” had landed in Ghana, suggesting possible involvement in illicit activities such as narcotics trafficking or money laundering. However, the MP has yet to provide evidence, and his claims have sparked significant public interest and a response from national security agencies.

Senyo Hosi, however, argued that the over-the-top approach to apprehend the MP was avoidable and damaging to Ghana’s democratic and civic culture.

“All we needed to do was wait for the report,” he insisted. “Should Ntim Fordjour cooperate with the agency? I think Article 4, Section 41 is very clear about that — we are supposed to collaborate with our law enforcement agencies.”

While acknowledging that public trust in government processes can be fragile, especially in a polarized environment, Hosi emphasized that the way forward must be based on institutional process and mutual respect, not public spectacle or political brinkmanship.

“He [Ntim Fordjour] will tell you that because of government’s communication, he lost trust in the process. I can respect that to a certain extent,” Senyo Hosi added.

He concluded by urging all involved parties to work towards putting the matter to rest in a manner that reflects proper procedure and respect for democratic principles.

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President John Dramani Mahama had earlier directed security agencies to engage with Rev. Fordjour to investigate the allegations.

However, the President’s directive was quickly overshadowed by public comments from Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, who dismissed the MP’s claims as “baseless” and accused him of spreading misinformation intended to tarnish the government’s image.

Tensions heightened when operatives from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) attempted to arrest Rev. Fordjour — a move that was blocked by Minority MPs in Parliament. The Minority cited the absence of a valid warrant and accused the NIB of sidestepping proper legal procedures.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, April 12, Haruna Mohammed explained that Rev. Fordjour had initially been willing to cooperate but lost faith in the process due to the government’s premature dismissal of the claims.

“The conflict here is that Rev. Ntim Fordjour was ready to collaborate with the investigators. Then government’s communication came out to say there was nothing, and went ahead to comment on the substance of the matter. Do you get the problem?” Haruna said.

He stressed that the MP felt the integrity of the investigation had been compromised once the government publicly declared its position.

“Because the government had already communicated and defended, Rev. Ntim Fordjour lost trust in the process. A position had been taken, and a judgment passed that there was nothing to investigate,” he added.

Haruna also revealed that Rev. Fordjour had attempted to engage the Majority Caucus in Parliament over the matter but was unsuccessful.

As a result, he noted, the MP has since adopted a more partisan approach in pursuing the issue.

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Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, James Agalga, has accused Rev. John Ntim Fordjour of fabricating the controversial allegations of two aircraft being involved in drugs and money laundering which have dominated recent political discussions.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, April 12, Mr Agalga criticised the Assin South MP for what he described as a reckless and malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the State.

Mr Agalga questioned the motives behind Ntim Fordjour’s actions, particularly his decision to bypass official security channels in favour of a public press release.

“If your Ranking Member was not being malicious, why was he ranting against the security agencies instead of assisting them to probe the matter?” he asked.

He further asserted that Ntim Fordjour lacked the necessary facts to support his claims and had simply constructed a false narrative to fuel public suspicion.

“He didn’t have his facts right and he was being malicious. He sat down and concocted the story and threw it against the state,” Mr Agalga stated firmly.

The comments come amid rising tensions over the role of security agencies and concerns about political interference in national security matters.

Mr Agalga emphasised the need for parliamentary leaders to act responsibly and not compromise the integrity of state institutions for political gain.

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On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, operatives from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) invaded and attempted to arrest Rev. Fordjour at his residence in Spintex.

The move came after Rev. Fordjour raised concerns about two suspicious flights that landed at Kotoka International Airport, suggesting they were connected to possible drug trafficking and money laundering.

A former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), who described Rev. Fordjour as a friend, criticized his actions, stating that what he did was wrong and inappropriate.

“Don’t use the media to talk about the image of your country. If you have concerns, you should trust the Speaker and bring the matter to them, especially when it is of national interest,” she said.

She also questioned Rev. Fordjour’s claims, asking, “Who would leave a plane with cocaine on it for five days? It doesn’t make sense.”

She further stated that if Rev. Fordjour had real evidence, he should have gone through proper channels, instead of taking the matter to the media.

“No one is intimidating anybody. He needs to stand firm and go through whatever comes his way. If he hasn’t done anything wrong, the truth will eventually come out” she said in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

NANA YAA ON NTIM ARREST

Madam Jantuah also expressed concern about the timing of these claims, wondering why such accusations of intimidation were not raised during previous governments.

“Who has actually done anything to someone, apart from Fordjour?” she asked.

She noted that Rev. Fordjour’s actions had serious implications.

“Now, even if you travel, you’ll be searched like you’ve done something wrong because he has tarnished the country’s image.”

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In a statement, Jantuah explained that President John Mahama has been calm and gentle with the NPP, especially when compared to the actions of the NPP while they were in power.

Jantuah, a former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), made these remarks in response to recent raids on the homes of former government officials, including a failed attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to arrest Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour,, at his residence in Spintex on Wednesday.

The incident followed allegations that two suspicious flights had landed at Kotoka International Airport, reportedly carrying drugs and cash.

The raid was described by some as politically motivated, with claims that it was an attempt to use security agencies to intimidate and harass opposition members.

However, in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Jantuah rejected these claims, stating that the NPP members were being treated far better than they deserved.

“They did worse things, and for them, Mahama is giving them farmgate treatment. What exactly is being done to NPP members? Where is the intimidation here? We have to separate the human aspect from those engaged in vandalism,” she stated.

Jantuah also criticized the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee for going public with his findings.

“Why do you even come to the media after you had the tip-off? If he doesn’t trust anybody, at least he should trust his Speaker, or there is someone he can trust because this is of national interest. Who leaves evidence in any clandestine activity?” she chided.

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Bentil questioned the legality and conduct of the operation, which reportedly involved armed officers who failed to identify themselves or present a warrant.

“This whole idea of them going to arrest somebody in his house, there are so many levels to it. Even if the person has committed a crime and you want to arrest him, you need a warrant,” he stated. “If you arrest him, he doesn’t have to say anything. You have to do the investigations, show him what crime he has committed, put him before a court and have him prosecuted.”

He further expressed concern about the NIB’s approach, saying, “Going there without a warrant, going there without showing your face, going there armed, is just not right.”

Mr. Bentil defended Rev. Fordjour’s right to free speech, especially in his capacity as a legislator. “Every one of us has the right to freedom of speech. You can say whatever you want to say as long as you don’t insult somebody or commit a crime. That includes voicing out suspicions.”

Citing Article 41 of Ghana’s Constitution, he argued that citizens are not only permitted but encouraged to hold public officers accountable. “As a citizen, he can also question public officers all the way to the president. Public officers owe it to the citizenry to answer candidly, honestly, and to the best of their ability using state resources.”

Mr. Bentil questioned the justification for the attempted arrest. “To the extent that Ntim Fordjour is asking questions and demanding answers, he has not committed any crime. He is a Member of Parliament and has every right to do so.”

He added, “If he has made allegations that are not true, it is the responsibility of the one claiming it’s a crime to prove so in court. He [Rev. Fordjour] does not have to cooperate in his own investigation.”

Mr. Bentil concluded by urging restraint and adherence to legal protocols, stressing the importance of upholding democratic rights and processes.

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Nana B expressed strong disapproval over comments made by Mr. Kwakye Ofosu concerning recent allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering involving two aircraft that transited through Ghana.

Nana B criticised the Abura Asebu Kwamankese MP for publicly downplaying calls for an investigation into the suspected illicit activities, which were brought to light by Assin South MP, Rev. Ntim Fordjour

Rev. Fordjour had alleged that two flights—AirMed flight NH23AM and Cavok Air private jet Antonov AN-12B—landed in Ghana between March 20 and March 25, 2025, allegedly carrying cocaine and a large sum of cash.

In response, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu referred to Rev. Fordjour as a “noisemaker” and remarked that if he were President Mahama, he would have ignored the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee. Nonetheless, Mr. Ofosu admitted that an investigation was needed to set the right precedent.

Nana B, however, maintained that Mr. Kwakye Ofosu’s comments directly undermined the President’s authority.

“The President directed all security agencies to collaborate with Ntim Fordjour for investigations, and yet you have the Spokesperson, Kwakye Ofosu, contradicting him. He must not remain the President’s Spokesperson—he must be sacked,” Nana B stated.

“We all respect the President and gave him the mandate to lead. Why should Kwakye Ofosu act with such impunity? He’s making a mockery of the number one gentleman of the land,” he added.

Meanwhile, officials from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on Wednesday stormed Rev. Fordjour’s residence in Spintex in an attempt to arrest him. However, the operation was halted after NPP members intervened and gathered at the scene.

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In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Nana B stated that Rev. Ntim Fordjour possesses evidence in the case, but criticized the actions of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), who stormed the lawmaker’s home without showing an arrest warrant.

“Rev. Ntim Fordjour has concrete evidence to back his position, but the conduct of the NIB officials is wrong. They should have followed due process,” Nana B stated.

The standoff occurred on April 9, when NIB officials attempted to arrest the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, without following the proper legal channels.

The incident has sparked widespread concern regarding the NIB’s approach.

Nana B questioned why the NIB did not go through the Speaker of Parliament before attempting to arrest the lawmaker at his residence.

“Why didn’t they go through the Speaker of Parliament, as required by the constitution? Even the President has advised that institutions must work to investigate such matters properly,” he said.

He also expressed his disappointment with Government Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who dismissed concerns over the incident, calling it a “bad precedent.” Nana B stated, “It’s not a joke. If I had sensitive information like this, I wouldn’t feel confident either. Why would they storm his house in such a Rambo-style operation?”

NANA B ON NTIM

The NPP official called for a commission of inquiry into the matter, highlighting the importance of following the correct legal procedures.

“We are law-abiding citizens and expect institutions to respect the process. They must go through the proper channels,” he stated firmly.

He praised Rev. Ntim Fordjour for his resilience in the face of these challenges.

“Ntim is my hero right now. He is strong, resilient, and refuses to be intimidated. He will stand firm,” Nana B said.

He also warned that such actions could backfire, especially if the NDC continues down this path. “If they don’t take care, the NDC will bring shame to President Mahama,” Nana B added.

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His call came after the attempted arrest of Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, by individuals believed to be operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

Following a visit to Reverend Fordjour’s residence, Dr. Bawumia reported that the MP remained “in high spirits and undaunted,” despite the incident, which he described as troubling.

“I charge all Party faithful to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding in this period of unfortunate political persecution,” Dr. Bawumia said in a message to NPP supporters.

The former Vice President reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic values, even in the face of provocation, while warning against the misuse of state institutions for partisan purposes.

Dr. Bawumia also renewed his call on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that security agencies are not exploited as political tools, emphasizing the need for neutrality and professionalism within Ghana’s security services.

“The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents,” he stated, adding that such actions would not be tolerated by the Ghanaian people.

Describing the incident as indicative of a “descent into lawlessness and fear,” Dr. Bawumia stressed the need for accountability and professionalism in the country’s security forces.

He reassured NPP members and supporters of the party’s determination to resist any abuse of power, continuing to champion the principles of democracy, justice, and fair governance.

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“I charge all Party faithful to remain calm, steadfast, and law-abiding in this period of unfortunate political persecution,” he said, boosting the morale of party members.

He also called on President John Mahama to take control of security agencies and prevent the politicization of state institutions.

“The security institutions of our country must not be reduced to political tools used to harass and intimidate opponents,” Dr. Bawumia emphasized.

Dr. Bawumia condemned the actions of the security officials, describing them as a “descent into lawlessness and fear.” He stressed the urgent need for professionalism and accountability within Ghana’s security services.

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The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has raised serious concerns about the relationship between security agencies and elected representatives.

According to the Minority, the attempt by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to arrest the MP at his Spintex residence was carried out without regard for the laid-down procedures required when dealing with sitting Members of Parliament.

The Minority’s Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, expressed these concerns in a formal memorandum to the Speaker.

The memo emphasized the importance of respecting the privileges of Parliament and warned that failure to do so could undermine the authority and independence of the legislature.

The attempted arrest is reportedly linked to ongoing investigations into suspected drug trafficking and money laundering activities involving two international flights that passed through Ghana in March 2025.

While the details of Reverend Fordjour’s alleged connection to the matter remain unclear, the Minority insists that any such inquiries must follow due process.

In their communication to the Speaker, the Minority reiterated their commitment to the rule of law but stressed that all interactions between MPs and security agencies must strictly adhere to constitutional safeguards and established parliamentary norms.

They called on Speaker Alban Bagbin to assert his authority and prevent any recurrence of what they described as a breach of parliamentary sanctity.

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In a post on X, Rev. Fordjour, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of targeting opposition MPs in what he described as a politically motivated attempt to suppress parliamentary oversight.

He labelled the incident as a “lawless act of harassment.”

The attempted arrest took place at Rev. Fordjour’s residence in Spintex, Accra, following allegations of two suspicious flights that reportedly landed at the Kotoka International Airport, allegedly carrying drugs and cash.

Reacting to the incident, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua called on party supporters to show solidarity with the embattled MP.

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