Member Parliament(MP) for Damongo and Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has raised questions about what Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has done to warrant his arrest over allegations related to suspicious flights.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Jinapor said “What has he done that warrants his arrest? If he is arrested, what would be the legal basis for detaining him? The concept of arrest is often used a bit loosely in Ghana.”
Mr. Jinapor, a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), further explained that being arrested doesn’t necessarily mean being detained, noting that the legal framework determines whether someone can be held.
“When law enforcement is conducting investigations, they can invite or arrest you as a suspect. However, when you are arrested, it doesn’t mean you will be detained as many Ghanaians may think,” he said.
He continued, “Whether or not you will be detained is governed by law, not by public opinion.”
The lawmaker also stated that, in his experience as Deputy Chief of Staff, he saw many things and tried to ensure the law worked fairly.
“In government, you cannot even predict when things will go your way, so we should allow the law and the rule of law to prevail.”
The controversy stems from allegations made by Rev. Fordjour concerning two aircraft that were allegedly linked to drug trafficking and money laundering.
Rev. Fordjour, citing intelligence sources, claimed that the aircraft might have been transporting illicit substances, including cocaine and large sums of U.S. dollars.
However, some members of the opposition, including Sammy Gyamfi, National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Felix Kwakye Ofosu, have called for the arrest of Rev. Fordjour, demanding that he substantiates his claims or face legal consequences.
But Mr. Jinapor, while acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, defended Rev. Fordjour’s character.
“Rev. Fordjour is an excellent gentleman and knows what he is doing. He’s not trying to deliberately tarnish Ghana’s image,” Jinapor stated.
He also urged all parties to allow for an investigation to take place.
“Let’s all sober down and let’s find a way to bring this matter to a conclusion. People say things in the heat of the moment. We should relax and allow the laws to work,” he urged.
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