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Wednesday, 7 October 2026
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Wednesday, 7 October 2026
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Ghanaian press · Place

Assin South

2026-04-272026-10-07
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026

  2. Joy Online

    Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has questioned the timing of government’s proposed age-verification policy for access to pornographic websites, suggesting it could be an attempt to shift public attention away from demands for the passage of anti-LGB …

    Porn ID proposal may be an attempt to divert attention from anti-LGBTQ+ bill demands — Ntim Fordjour

  3. Joy Online

    The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has alleged that the Majority caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has altered provisions of the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. …

    Ntim Fordjour alleges exemptions for NGOs, envoys and others in newly passed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

  4. Joy Online

    Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. …

    Ntim Fordjour rejects claims anti-LGBTQ+ Bill criminalises counselling and healthcare

  5. Joy Online

    Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. …

    Ntim Fordjour questions alleged 31 amendments to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, says original intent has been weakened

  6. Joy Online

    … Mr Asafo-Adjei claimed that one of the lead sponsors, Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, openly objected to the changes before leaving the chamber, raising questions about how the legislation proceeded to its final stage. …

    Asafo-Adjei questions Anti-LGBTQ Bill passage amid sponsors’ absence

  7. President cites procedural issues with anti-LGBTQ+ bill

    1. Joy Online

      … At a press conference in Parliament House on Monday, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, sponsor of the Bill and NPP Member of Parliament for Assin South, posed what he described as a simple but serious question: “What changed?” “We have called this press conference to ask a simple but …

      Minority demands answers on 31 amendments to Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill

    2. Joy Online

      Assin South Member of Parliament and co-sponsor of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, John Ntim Fordjour, says recent comments by the Speaker of Parliament expressing surprise over the passage of the bill in its current form vindicate concerns raised by the Minority. …

      Speaker’s surprise about Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passage vindicates Minority’s concerns – Ntim Fordjour

  8. Joy Online

    The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has questioned whether the revised Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (anti-LGBTQ+ bill) retains the same legal strength and intent as the version that was passed by Parliament in February 2024 and became …

    Has the Bill lost part of its force and value? – Ntim Fordjour questions changes to anti-LGBTQ+ bill

  9. Joy Online

    Assin South MP, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has defended the record of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, arguing that the former President was unfairly portrayed as the obstacle to the legislation despite legal developm …

    Ntim Fordjour defends Akufo-Addo’s handling of Anti-gay Bill
  10. May 2026

  11. Joy Online

    … However, the MP for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, together with the MP for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, argued that the proposed amendments would weaken the intent of the bill and create loopholes for the promotion of LGBTQ activities. …

    ‘It is a watered-down version’ – Minority MPs resist proposed exemptions in Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Politics

Speaker rejects inquiry into cocaine seizures amid trafficking concerns

The News

Parliament's Speaker Alban Bagbin ruled inadmissible a Minority motion seeking an ad hoc committee to investigate how major cocaine consignments were processed and exported from Ghana. The Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee says the Speaker's decision lends weight to concerns about political protection for drug traffickers, citing the 2025 Global Organised Crime Index report which raises questions about falling seizures and reduced media coverage potentially concealing continued trafficking activity.

30 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 30 September

  1. Speaker rejects inquiry into cocaine seizures amid trafficking concerns

    Parliament's Speaker Alban Bagbin ruled inadmissible a Minority motion seeking an ad hoc committee to investigate how major cocaine consignments were processed and exported from Ghana. The Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee says the Speaker's decision lends weight to concerns about political protection for drug traffickers, citing the 2025 Global Organised Crime Index report which raises questions about falling seizures and reduced media coverage potentially concealing continued trafficking activity.

    30 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 26 September

  1. MP says government dismissed drug trafficking warning, attempted arrest

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, says the government dismissed his April 2025 warning about two aircraft at Kotoka International Airport that he alleged might have transported cocaine or cash, and attempted to arrest him on 9 April 2025 when he pressed his concerns. He cited the recent French seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in a container shipped from Ghana as vindication, though his original allegations concerned aircraft rather than cargo shipments.

    26 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 23 September

  1. Ntim Fordjour urges MPs to prioritize national interest in drug trafficking probe

    The Ranking Member of Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee warned MPs against allowing partisan politics to overshadow Ghana's drug trafficking crisis, urging them to approach the issue as a matter of national security. His comments follow a series of major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana, including nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine intercepted by French customs in September.

    23 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Minority secures 15%+ signatures to trigger parliament recall

    The Ranking Member of Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee has confirmed the Minority has secured more than the required 15% support to trigger a parliamentary recall over Ghana's cocaine scandal, with signatures and petition already filed with the Speaker.

    23 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Drug trafficking connected to money laundering, terrorism — Fordjour

    Rev Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has warned that Ghana's drug-trafficking crisis poses national security threats, saying the drug trade, money laundering, and terrorism are closely linked. His remarks follow major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana, including a nearly 3.9-tonne cocaine haul in France valued at over US$260 million.

    23 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. Parliament recall bid over drug-trafficking crisis advances

    Ranking Member Rev Ntim Fordjour says the Minority has secured more than the required 15% of MPs to trigger a parliamentary recall under Article 112(3) of the Constitution over Ghana's worsening drug-trafficking crisis, with signatures and petition filed with the Speaker last week. He expects the Speaker to issue the notice of recall this week, enabling Parliament to sit by next week to constitute a bipartisan committee for a transparent inquiry into the issue.

    23 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Ntim Fordjour accuses government of failing on drug crisis

    Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee Rev. Ntim Fordjour has criticized the government for failing to take decisive action against Ghana's drug trafficking crisis, questioning why no agency head has been removed despite major drug-related incidents. His remarks follow the seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France in September from a container originating from Ghana.

    23 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 22 September

  1. NPP demands dismissal of officials over cocaine busts

    The NPP's National Organiser has accused President Mahama of weak leadership over his handling of recent drug trafficking cases and demanded the dismissal of officials responsible for alleged failures in Ghana's drug interdiction and security operations.

    22 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 19 September

  1. MP accuses government of selective law enforcement in Jollof case

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, has accused the government of applying Ghana's false publication laws selectively after nursing officer Salomey Awiti Bafoh was arrested and remanded over alleged links to the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account. Bafoh pleaded not guilty to abetment of crime charges and was denied bail on September 13, with the case adjourned to September 30.

    19 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Assin South MP questions selective application of criminal law

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has questioned whether Section 208 of the Criminal Code is being applied selectively in the case of nursing officer Salomey Awiti Baffoe, arrested over alleged links to UK-based TikTok user Barbara Asantewaa Kodua. He criticized the CID for publicly showing Baffoe's video while failing to take similar action against others he says have circulated comparable content.

    19 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Defence Committee to question CID on social media cases

    Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee will invite the CID Director-General to explain how the Ghana Police Service is handling cases involving offensive social media content, and to address incidents and investigations not covered in a recent press conference.

    19 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. MP calls on clergy, civil society against selective law application

    Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has appealed to religious leaders, chiefs, journalists and other influential voices to speak out against what he describes as selective application of Ghana's laws, citing the case of senior nursing officer Salomey Awiti Bafoh, who was arrested over alleged involvement in activities of UK-based TikTok user Barbara Asantewaa Kodua ("Ghana Jollof"), and arguing the rule of law must apply equally regardless of political affiliation.

    19 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Rev. Ntim Fordjour warns of Ghana's rising insult culture

    Member of Parliament for Assin South Rev. John Ntim Fordjour expressed concern that a culture of insults and offensive political commentary has become increasingly attractive in Ghana, particularly among young people on social media, who use abusive language to gain visibility and political recognition. He contrasted this with earlier political practice, citing figures such as Koku Anyidoho and Kwesi Pratt as examples of those who offered forceful criticism while maintaining decorum.

    19 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 11 September

  1. MP calls for investigation into $1bn narcotics seizures linked to Ghana

    Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has called for a full-scale investigation into major narcotics seizures involving consignments allegedly linked to Ghana, claiming more than $1 billion worth of drugs has been intercepted in less than two years. He notes that while the Interior Minister indicated government officials were complicit, no officials have been named or prosecuted.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. MP warns Ghana risks becoming 'cocaine coast' over drug trafficking

    Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has called for urgent government action on drug trafficking, warning that Ghana risks becoming a "cocaine coast" if authorities fail to address growing narcotics consignments linked to the country. He has demanded a full-scale inquiry involving multiple ministries and agencies and questioned whether officials should be held accountable.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 12 July

  1. NPP says Bawumia not involved in party dispute decisions

    The New Patriotic Party has dismissed attempts to associate flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with decisions on disputes from the party's constituency executive elections, stating that such matters are handled by the party's constitutionally mandated organs through established structures.

    12 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 9 July

  1. Ntim Fordjour demands naming of officials in drug trafficking case

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has called on the Minister for the Interior to publicly identify and prosecute government officials allegedly implicated in the trafficking of 320 kilograms of methamphetamine worth over $300 million that was intercepted in Australia. The Interior Minister had previously told Parliament that preliminary investigations had implicated some government and public officials in the shipment after they allegedly manipulated Ghana's security system.

    9 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Tuesday 30 June

  1. MP urges government to declare Accra flood disaster emergency

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has called on the government to declare Accra a disaster emergency zone for one week and mobilise all security agencies and emergency services in response to devastating floods that have inundated homes, businesses and roads across the capital.

    30 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. MP calls for one-week disaster emergency as Accra floods worsen

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has called for the government to declare Accra a one-week disaster emergency to enable security agencies and emergency responders to undertake coordinated rescue and relief operations. He also urged closer coordination between emergency services and road sector agencies to restore access to flood-affected communities.

    30 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. MP calls for one-week Accra disaster emergency over flooding

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has called on the government to declare Accra a disaster emergency zone for one week following widespread flooding from torrential rains. He urges immediate activation of security agencies and emergency services for coordinated rescue and relief operations to prevent further loss of life and property damage.

    30 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 26 June

  1. Assin South DCE commissions classroom block and CHPS compound

    The District Chief Executive for Assin South has commissioned a six-unit classroom block and Community-based Health Planning and Services compound at Assin Ningo to improve access to education and healthcare. The DCE also donated medical equipment and a motorcycle to support operations at the health facility.

    26 June 2026 · Daily Guide →

Saturday 20 June

  1. MP demands accountability over Australia drug seizure from Ghana

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Assin South MP and Ranking Member on Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has called for accountability following the interception of a large methamphetamine consignment in Australia believed to have originated from Ghana. He said the seizure vindicated his previous warnings about Ghana becoming a transit point for international drug trafficking and criticized government officials and NDC supporters for attacking him over those concerns.

    20 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 19 June

  1. Black Stars' Panama win shows power of national unity—MP

    Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour said Ghana's 1-0 2026 World Cup victory over Panama in Toronto demonstrates that national unity, rather than political division, is key to success. He praised 19-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi for scoring the decisive goal in the 19th minute.

    19 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 16 June

  1. MP demands accountability over Ghana's Global Peace Index drop

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee, has called for accountability over Ghana's decline in the Global Peace Index from 38th to 76th, describing the trend as a worsening security situation that reflects deteriorating governance of the security sector under President Mahama's administration.

    16 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Anti-LGBTQ Bill amendments exempt lawyers, journalists, NGOs from liability

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, sponsor of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, says amendments to Clause 9 have created exemptions allowing lawyers, medical practitioners, journalists, counsellors, MPs, NGOs and foreign donors to advocate for LGBTQ rights without facing sanctions, which he argues significantly weakens the legislation's original intent.

    9 June 2026 · The Chronicle →

Monday 8 June

  1. Ghana anti-LGBTQ bill exempts lawyers, doctors, journalists from sanctions

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, says the recently passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill includes amendments to Clause 9 that exempt lawyers, medical doctors, journalists, NGOs, MPs, foreign donors, and counselors from sanctions for advocating or promoting LGBTQ rights, which he argues weakens the bill's original intent.

    8 June 2026 · Daily Guide →

Sunday 7 June

  1. MP claims anti-LGBTQ bill amendments created advocacy loopholes

    Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour says amendments to Clause 9 of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill granted exemptions to lawyers, medical doctors, journalists, NGOs, MPs, foreign donors, and counselors to advocate for LGBTQ rights without facing sanctions.

    7 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Assin South MP accuses government of hypocrisy on Anti-LGBTQ Bill

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, has accused the government of acting hypocritically in handling the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, alleging that inconsistencies in the government's position and conflicting messages from state officials have undermined the confidence of religious and traditional leaders who supported the legislation.

    7 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 6 June

  1. MP warns amendments weaken anti-LGBTQ bill enforcement

    Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, has raised concerns that amendments to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, including the removal of certain provisions and addition of exemptions, could make the legislation difficult to enforce effectively if it becomes law.

    6 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. MP urges NDC to back revised anti-LGBTQ bill for consistency

    Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, a bill sponsor, has challenged the NDC to ensure the revised Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill becomes law, arguing the party should match its earlier advocacy while in opposition with action now that it is in government, and expressing concern that exemptions introduced by the NDC majority could weaken efforts to address LGBTQ+ activities.

    6 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Assin South — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute