Amid growing political uproar over the dramatic arrest of NPP youth activist Alfred Ababio Kumi, also known as Adenta Kumi, Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, has stepped forward to defend the actions of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), describing them as lawful and standard practice in law enforcement.
The arrest, which took place at Kumi’s residence, drew sharp criticism from NPP members, who labelled the operation as an act of political intimidation and excessive use of force. Armed NIB officers reportedly stormed the home of the former parliamentary aspirant in what critics say was an unnecessary display of power.
But Dafeamekpor, speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, rejected claims of political targeting, insisting that such methods are well within the powers of security agencies—particularly when an individual fails to honour an official police invitation.
“You can be arrested through a home raid. It’s not unusual,” said Dafeamekpor, who also serves as the Majority Chief Whip in Parliament. “If someone refuses an invitation to assist with an investigation, law enforcement has every right to pursue alternative means of effecting an arrest.”
Responding to complaints about the officers being armed, Dafeamekpor argued that the presence of weapons is standard for any potentially high-risk operation. “Even during property demolitions, armed officers are present. It’s a precaution, not a threat,” he said, citing his own experience with a state-led demolition involving the military.
His comments have added a new layer to the political debate, highlighting the often-blurred lines between security protocols and political perception in Ghana’s charged environment.
The case continues to fuel discussions around the conduct of state agencies and their impartiality in dealing with political figures across the aisle.
