Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has not yet granted approval for the release of Assin South Member of Parliament, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, to assist in investigations into alleged drug trafficking and money laundering.

Speaking during an interview on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) had officially written to the Speaker seeking permission to question the legislator. However, as of now, the Speaker’s response is still pending.

“The NIB wrote to the Speaker to release Ntim Fordjour. The Speaker is yet to respond to the NIB, as far as I am aware. Anytime the Speaker responds to it, he will be available for questions,” he said.

The investigation follows claims made by Rev. Ntim Fordjour that two aircraft recently arrived in Ghana allegedly carrying illicit drugs and large sums of cash. According to the Minister, the MP has not yet honored requests by security agencies to provide further information on the allegations.

Kwakye Ofosu further stressed the need for openness in the ongoing probe, calling for the lawmaker’s questioning to be made public.

“I have requested that the interrogation be released to the public,” he added.

The situation has sparked widespread public interest, with many observers calling for swift action to ensure accountability and transparency.

Less than a week ago, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin gave the green light for two Members of Parliament (MP)—Mustapha Yussif, MP for Yagaba Kubori, and Kwame Asare Obeng (A-Plus), MP for Gomoa Central—to engage with officials from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) as part of an ongoing investigation.

A statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, outlined that while the Speaker has permitted the interaction, strict conditions have been set to uphold parliamentary privileges.

Citing Articles 117 and 118 of the 1992 Constitution, Bagbin directed that the meeting be held within Parliament's premises. The meeting was scheduled for Monday, April 7, at 10:00 AM, inside the Sir Emmanuel Charles Quist Conference Room at the Office of the Speaker.

Additionally, both MPs were advised to ensure legal representation during the session, while NIB officials were required to liaise with Parliament’s Legal Services Office upon arrival.

The Ghanaian Constitution grants MPs certain legal protections, necessitating the Speaker’s approval before they can be engaged on specific matters. As of now, details regarding the specific nature of the investigation remain undisclosed.

Immunity from Service of Process and Arrest (Article 117):

"Civil or criminal process coming from any court or place outside Parliament shall not be served on, or executed in relation to, the Speaker or a member or the Clerk to Parliament while he is on his way to, attending, or returning from any proceedings of Parliament."

Immunity from Witness Summons (Article 118):

(1) Neither the Speaker, nor a member of, nor the Clerk to, Parliament shall be compelled, while attending Parliament, to appear as a witness in any court or place outside Parliament.

(2) The certificate of the Speaker that a member or the Clerk is attending the proceedings of Parliament is conclusive evidence of attendance at Parliament.