Political actions and statements from key actors can destabilize a country, particularly when unguarded remarks are made by politicians or national security concerns arise. A recent statement from the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, is an example of such destabilising rhetoric. The statement, which can be described as baseless and lacking substance, has sparked concerns that the government must take swift, professional action to correct the propaganda surrounding the alleged drug trafficking — a matter that is hardly new.
Security analyst Richard Kumadoe made this point during an appearance on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. Kumadoe emphasized the importance of the National Security Secretariat conducting its activities with professionalism and using all available state resources to apprehend any individuals who threaten the peace and security of the country.
He condemned the statement from the ranking member of parliament as reckless and baseless, arguing that it does not warrant attention. Kumadoe also called on the government, under the president’s directives, to apprehend Fordjour to assist in the investigation of his allegations related to cocaine and money laundering — statements made by someone in a position of influence as a member of Parliament’s Defence Committee.
In a separate development, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, Chair of the South African Council of Elders for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has weighed in on the cocaine allegations made by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour. Quashie described Fordjour’s actions as diversionary and propagandist. This follows Fordjour’s repeated claims about two suspicious flights landing at Kotoka International Airport, allegedly carrying drugs and cash, and his call for security agencies to provide answers.
Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has clarified that the flights in question landed due to technical faults. Quashie, however, challenged Fordjour’s approach, asserting that if he possesses credible evidence to support his claims, he should present it to the state for further investigation.
He further suggested that if the state’s intentions were truly to apprehend Fordjour, the process would have already been underway. “I can confidently say that the processes to pick him up are almost complete. The Speaker is out of town, but that does not delay the process,” he noted.
Quashie added that if Fordjour is willing to collaborate with security agencies and provide his evidence, this would be a step in the right direction. “Once he agrees to work with the security agencies and present his set of facts to them, we look forward to that,” he said.
Addressing comparisons between Rev. Fordjour and MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Quashie emphasized that there was no valid comparison to be made. While Okudzeto’s concerns have been supported by solid evidence, Fordjour has failed to substantiate his allegations and instead opted to make his claims public before presenting any proof.
The Chair of the South African Council of Elders for the NDC also cautioned the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) against politicizing drug trafficking issues. He warned, “If they believe this will negatively impact the NDC, they are mistaken. It will affect Ghana as a whole, and the sooner they stop, the better for all.”
Story By: Alexander Kukah @kukahaalexander7@gmail.com
