The Chairperson of the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, James Agalga, took on his ranking member, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, during a debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address on Friday, March 5, 2026.

Rev Ntim Fordjour, who is the Member of Parliament for Assin South, had argued that the recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso, which claimed the lives of 8 Ghanaians, shows there are issues with Ghana’s security architecture.

He argued that the incident points to the fact that there is insecurity in Ghana, which shows that the current government is failing to protect its citizens.

Reacting to this, James Agalga laughed at the suggestion that the terrorist attack in Burkina Faso shows there is insecurity in Ghana.

He argued that Burkina Faso is a sovereign country which is responsible for its internal security and therefore should protect any person who enters its country.

“Reverend Ntim Fordjour says there is insecurity in our country because eight of our compatriots were killed in Burkina Faso. Mr Speaker, let me address my brother directly. Burkina Faso is a country with territories well defined in international law. Ghana's security apparatus cannot cross boundaries, borders and provide for the security of our nationals in that country. Mr Speaker, we are not the United States of America. We are not.

“When Ghanaians cross borders into foreign jurisdictions, their safety and security become the sole responsibility of the security apparatus of that country. And so, Mr Speaker, the point I'm making is that our security apparatus did not do anything wrong,” he said.

Agalga said that Ntim Fordjour should rather be commending the Ghana Armed Forces for working to bring the Ghanaians who were injured during the attack back home to receive the needed medical attention.

He added that the security apparatus should also be commended for ensuring that there has been no terrorist attack in Ghana, despite the fact that the menace is prevailing in all the countries Ghana shares a border with.

“In fact, when our compatriots died and some were wounded, our security apparatus, with the cooperation of the Burkinabe, actually rescued them. They did medical evacuation, and we should be commending our Air Force. They flew to Ouagadougou and brought back the wounded, some of whom are now receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.

“So, Mr Speaker, with the greatest of respect to my brother, the ranking member Ntim Fordjour, our security apparatus is up to the task. We have worked to ensure that no single incident of terrorism has taken place or will take place in our country,” he said.

Burkina Faso Attack: Ntim Fordjour accuses government of security lapses

Watch a video of the remarks below:

Watch how Rev. John Ntim Fordjour was lectured by Hon. James Agalga on the floor of parliament today 😂 pic.twitter.com/38RosB0d1m

— 0wura🥷🏾 (@Twum_111) March 5, 2026