By Elsie Appiah-Osei 

Accra, Feb 12, GNA – The Minority Caucus in Parliament, Wednesday called for the immediate summoning of the National Security Coordinator to the House to explain the circumstances surrounding an alleged raid on the residence of former Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta. 

According to eyewitness accounts and security footage, a group of individuals, including some men in military and police uniforms, stormed Mr Ofori-Atta’s residence in Cantonments, Accra on Tuesday afternoon (February 11, 2025), while he was out of the country. 

In a reaction, Mr Habib Iddrisu, the First Deputy Minority Whip, condemned the incident on the floor of Parliament, describing it as a threat to Ghana’s democratic values.  

“Mr. Speaker, Ghana has been noted for the democracy that we have been enjoying, and yesterday, the former Minister responsible for Finance, Mr Ofori-Atta’s house was raided by National Security operatives allegedly,” he stated. 

Mr Iddrisu questioned why the raid took place despite Mr Ofori-Atta having allegedly officially informed the Chief of Staff of his absence from the country and receiving approval to travel. 

“… Mr. Speaker, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta has officially written to the Chief of Staff that he will not be in the country, and he was given that opportunity, and he left. It is not acceptable,” he said. 

On his part, Minority leader, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin also condemned the raid, maintaining that the action was unlawful.  

He said: “There was no such law supporting the actions. The contention here was that the man’s home was raided unlawfully. That conduct was unconstitutional…we are not sending the right signals to the electorates,” he argued. 

However, Majority Leader Mr Mahama Ayariga, cautioned against using the chamber of Parliament to address a legal matter.  

“… Mr Speaker, you go to court for the court to declare that your property and dignity have been violated. In court, the two sides will be there…” he noted. 

The incident has raised questions about the identity and motivations of those behind the operation, with Special Prosecutor Mr Kissi Agyebeng denying any alleged involvement and suggesting that the incident might have been staged to discredit his office. 

GNA 

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansah-Asare, has criticized Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng for publicly declaring former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person.

Speaking in an interview on TV3 on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Ansah-Asare described the move as disgraceful and damaging to Ghana’s reputation.

“Declaring a former finance minister a wanted person is a very serious matter. It is an act of disgrace to the nation. Let us handle this in a more civilized manner. What has the former Finance Minister done? Where was the Special Prosecutor when Ghanaians angrily declared the National Cathedral one of the biggest financial losses to the nation?” he questioned.

Ansah-Asare argued that if anyone should be declared wanted, it should be the Special Prosecutor himself.

The former Director of the Ghana School of Law expressed concern over what he described as a selective approach to justice, highlighting cases where large sums of money were allegedly misappropriated without any action being taken.

“Somebody took $42 million. He did nothing. People have stolen millions, and he did not do anything. Why this high-profile drama every morning in a serious country like Ghana?” he added.

He further expressed frustration over what he called unnecessary media theatrics, stating that the situation should have been handled with more decorum.

“We don’t need this. We know where the former Finance Minister is. If you think he has a case to answer, summon him through the appropriate channels. This drama in the media is unnecessary,” he emphasised.

Ansah-Asare argued that the Special Prosecutor’s actions might do more harm than good, potentially setting a bad precedent for future administrations.

“That is not the way to go about it. We are a civilized nation, and we must handle things in a more responsible manner. This approach is doing more harm than good,” he warned.

He also questioned the Special Prosecutor’s priorities, suggesting that more pressing corruption cases had been overlooked.

“Where was the Special Prosecutor when the media reported that $50 million had been lost? Where was he when the National Cathedral issue was making headlines? This is just another theatrical display driven by political motives,” he asserted.

Additionally, he called for the removal of the Special Prosecutor, citing incompetence and dereliction of duty.

“The OSP Act lists incompetence and dereliction of duty as grounds for removal. Former ministers stole millions, and he did nothing. Now, he suddenly wakes up and declares the Finance Minister wanted? He should be removed,” he argued.

Ansah-Asare stressed that law enforcement should be impartial and free from political influence.

“We should not allow the Special Prosecutor to be used by the current administration to embarrass former government officials. If he is truly committed to justice, let him pursue all cases with equal vigor, not just those that serve a political agenda,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of a fair and just legal system that does not engage in selective prosecutions.

“Crime does not have an expiry date, but the approach to handling it must be civilized, responsible, and devoid of unnecessary drama. Former appointees must be held accountable, but it must be done in a manner that upholds the dignity of the nation,” he said.

The OSP has declared Ken Ofori-Atta wanted over allegations of causing financial loss to the state in dealings including the construction of the controversial National Cathedral and the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) contract with Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML).

JKB/MA

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