Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has criticized the approach taken by Ghanaian security agencies in their attempt to arrest MP for Assin South, Reverend Ntim Fordjour, describing it as a clear overreach and misinterpretation of presidential directives.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding the clergyman on Joy News, Mr. Bentil emphasized that the President’s call for security agencies to “cooperate with Rev. Fordjour to get to the bottom of the matter” did not translate to ordering his arrest.
“We are responsible for what we say, not the interpretations people give,” he said, stressing that the President never said Rev. Fordjour should be arrested. “Cooperating with someone in an investigation is not the same as arresting them,” he added.
Mr. Bentil argued that if the Reverend was being invited to assist with investigations into a matter of national interest, the proper process should have been followed, including respectful communication through his Member of Parliament or church leadership.
He described the manner of the attempted arrest as inappropriate and legally questionable, noting, “A man’s house is his castle, citing the law that protects individuals against unlawful entry and arrest without due process.
“If the intention was to involve him in an investigation, you don’t show up in masks and breach his home.”
He further emphasized that law enforcement must identify themselves properly and declare the reason for arrest, if any, adding that every citizen has the legal right to remain silent and not cooperate without obligation.
Mr. Bentil concluded that if there was any wrongdoing on the part of Rev. Fordjour, the law provides clear procedures to follow, but what transpired was not consistent with those protocols.
“The state already has enough power, abusing it undermines public trust and constitutional protections,” he warned.
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
