Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, has sharply criticized the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) over what he describes as an act of intimidation against the minority caucus in Parliament.
The Minister made his remarks on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, following a reported raid by armed NIB officers on the residence of Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour.
According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after the minority, led by Mr. Ntim Fordjour, raised issues demanding a public inquiry. While the specific matter remains unclear, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah insists the NIB’s actions amount to a direct attack on the minority’s constitutional oversight role.
“We will not be intimidated,” he declared. “The minority has a right to raise issues and exercise oversight. If we elect anybody to speak on any matter, that person speaks on behalf of the caucus.”
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that the entire minority leadership was present at a press briefing to demonstrate unity and solidarity. “You saw the entire leadership and members of the caucus come here because he doesn’t speak on his own; he speaks for the entire caucus,” he said.
He raised legal concerns about the operation, invoking the Whistleblowers Act, specifically Article 720, which prohibits any form of intimidation against whistleblowers.
“Even if the person is a whistleblower… Article 720 clearly bars any form of intimidation. So what is all of this about?” he asked.
Describing the raid, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah alleged that more than 20 armed NIB operatives, some masked and dressed in hoodies, stormed the MP’s residence with cocked AK-47 rifles. He questioned whether this show of force was justified, especially in light of parliamentary protocols concerning MPs.
“Constitutionally, you cannot just pick up a Member of Parliament like that,” he stressed. “Especially when the person is addressing a press conference on behalf of the minority caucus.”
He also cited the MV Benjamin case as a precedent for public inquiries and called for clarification on possible breaches of parliamentary immunity.
“If it comes out clearly that his immunity or privileges were violated when he expressed a position in Parliament, then what remedies are available to him?” he questioned.
The incident has sparked concerns about the boundaries between national security operations and parliamentary privileges, with calls from the minority for transparency and due process.
