Lawyer and Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has described the National Intelligence Bureau’s (NIB) attempt to arrest Member of Parliament Ntim Fordjour at his residence as unlawful, asserting that the MP acted within his rights as a citizen.
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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