In a recent interview monitored by Ghana Insider News on Joy News, Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa and a noted legal practitioner, emphasized that Ghanaian citizens possess the legal right to defend themselves against masked individuals attempting unlawful arrests. In other words, Ghanaian citizens have every right to shoot and kill anyone in a mask who intrudes their homes. Read more details about this bold claims.
Bentil’s remarks come in light of a tense incident involving masked officers from Ghana’s National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) who forcefully entered the home of Rev. Ntim Fordjour, an MP and outspoken critic of the allegedly cocaine trafficking and money laundering activities linked to private flights that landed in Ghana.
Bentil referenced the Constitution of Ghana, notably Article 14, which safeguards personal rights, including the right to privacy and self-defense. He clarified that if individuals approach one’s residence masked and armed without proper authorization or a warrant, the situation could be perceived as a kidnapping.
“If masked people try to arrest you, you have a constitutional right to shoot to kill in your defense! See Article 13(2)(a),” Bentil stated.
The attempted arrest of Rev. Ntim Fordjour sparked outrage among lawmakers and NPP members, igniting a swift response to thwart the NIB operatives.
This recent chaos stems from allegations made by Ntim Fordjour during a press conference on April 1, 2025, where he asserted that two flights, an air ambulance and a private jet, may have been involved in cocaine trafficking or money laundering activities. He claimed that, one of the aircraft, Air MED flight L823 AM, landed in Ghana on March 20, 2025, and remained for five days with no documented medical patient on board, raising suspiciousness.
President John Dramani Mahama swiftly responded by instructing security agencies to collaborate with Fordjour to investigate the claims rigorously and ensure Ghana remains firm against drug trafficking.
Obviously, Bentil’s condemnation reflects growing concerns over the state’s approach to law enforcement, illustrating the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and upholding citizens’ rights. Per his statements, there should be a pressing need for transparency and legal integrity among law enforcement officials in Ghana to preserve public trust.
