The Minority in Parliament has accused National Security operatives of stealing money and pieces of jewellery during a raid on the home of former Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr Ernest Addison.
According to the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the operatives took GH₵10,000 and jewellery belonging to Dr Addison’s wife.
Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament on Thursday, March 20, the Minority Leader condemned what he described as lawless conduct by state security forces, accusing them of targeting former government officials.
“This morning, the Minority caucus is here to express its concerns about the growing lawless conduct of our National Security operatives, who have been unleashed on opponents, particularly the former NPP appointees of President Akufo-Addo. The aim is to intimidate and frustrate them,” he stated.
He recalled a similar raid on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s home, led by one Richard Djakpa, whom he described as an NDC activist and self-proclaimed director of operations at the National Security.
The Minority leader revealed that at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Richard Djakpa once again led a team of armed men to Dr Addison’s residence at Roman Ridge in Accra, claiming to have a warrant to search the premises.
“According to Jakpa, he had a warrant to search for a vault in which he believed Dr Addison had stored cash. They overpowered the security and forced their way in. This Rambo-style approach must stop,” he said.
He described the incident as unprecedented, stating that it was the first time in Ghana’s history that a central bank governor had been subjected to such treatment.
“At the end of their raid, they found nothing. Unfortunately, some GH₵10,000 that was on the governor’s bed was missing. Some of these hungry foot soldiers, parading as National Security operatives, took the opportunity to steal. The governor’s wife’s earrings and necklaces were also not found, in other words, they stole them,” he alleged.
The Minority leader also revealed that three official vehicles were seized during the operation. However, Dr Addison was later informed that the vehicles had been parked elsewhere and that his drivers could retrieve them at 4:30 p.m. following a call from Richard Djakpa.
He warned that such actions could damage Ghana’s democratic image and drive away investors.
“These actions undermine democracy and weaken investor confidence. If people investing in your country see these things happening to appointees, it will lead to capital flight. Even Ghanaians will not feel safe, they will withdraw from the financial sector and stop keeping their money in the country,” he cautioned.
The Minority called on the government to put an end to what they described as acts of intimidation and terror.
“We are a nation of laws. Even legitimate investigations must be done in accordance with the law. We are not against accountability, but we are against human rights abuses, lawless conduct, and security excesses. These acts belong to the past and have no place in our democracy,” he said.
He specifically called on President Mahama to leave a better legacy by bringing an end to this conduct.
source: My Joy Online
