The legal adviser to Rev. Ntim Fordjour has condemned the deployment of National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) officers to the residence of his client, describing the move as a serious attempt to undermine Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
Samuel Atta Akyea believes the deployment of the NIB personnel without following due parliamentary process sets a dangerous precedent that threatens free speech within Parliament.
“For my part, I believe there is a serious attempt to undermine the Constitution and probably gag the minority in Parliament,” he warned.
According to Atta Akyea, the situation stems from comments Rev. Ntim Fordjour made on the floor of Parliament — remarks which, per Article 115 of the Constitution, are protected and should not warrant such intimidation or harassment.
“The matters emanated from Parliament. If you play regard to Article 115 of the 1992 Constitution, it provides that there shall be freedom of speech, debate, and proceedings in Parliament, and that freedom shall not be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of Parliament,” he explained in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, April 9.
Mr Atta Akyea questioned why state security operatives, armed with guns, would besiege the home of a sitting Member of Parliament, especially when laid-down parliamentary procedures for addressing such matters were not followed.
He further noted that the Speaker of Parliament had already given a directive that any investigations involving MPs should take place within the precincts of Parliament to avoid undue harassment and interference with parliamentary duties.
“If there is a serious issue, all the authorities need to do is to notify the Speaker of Parliament, who will advise the Member to meet the appropriate investigative body,” he explained.
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