The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, has strongly condemned the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi, popularly known as Adenta Kumi, describing the incident as a “disgrace” to the rule of law. Kumi’s arrest occurred shortly after he submitted a petition to President John Dramani Mahama, calling for the dissolution of the committee investigating the potential impeachment of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Details of the Arrest
In the early hours of Friday, May 23, 2025, Kumi was reportedly apprehended at his residence in Adenta by approximately 20 armed men, believed to be operatives from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). According to accounts from Kumi’s family, the officers forcibly entered the home, causing property damage, and took Kumi into custody without providing a warrant or explanation.
Background of the Petition
Kumi, a former NPP parliamentary aspirant for Adenta, had recently submitted a petition to President Mahama on May 19, 2025. In the petition, he alleged that members of the five-member committee—specifically Justices Gabriel Pwamang, Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, and Supreme Court Justice Yonny Kulendi—were seen dining with Thaddeus Sory, legal counsel for petitioner Daniel Ofori, at Santoku Restaurant in Accra’s Airport Residential Area. Kumi claimed that during this meeting, the judges discussed matters related to the ongoing inquiry, raising concerns about the committee’s impartiality.
Political Reactions
The arrest has elicited strong reactions from various political figures and civil society actors. NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, criticized the manner of the arrest, stating that it was an act of intimidation against a citizen exercising his democratic rights. He emphasized that due process was not followed and questioned the legality of the operation.
Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, also condemned the arrest, describing it as a “Rambo-style” operation that threatens free speech and good governance.
Current Status
As of now, Kumi’s exact whereabouts remain unknown. Efforts are underway by party officials and family members to locate him and ensure his safety. The incident has intensified scrutiny over the government’s handling of dissent and the integrity of the judicial inquiry into the Chief Justice’s potential impeachment.