KEY POINTS
- Afenyo-Markin condemned the unconstitutional raid on Ken Ofori-Atta’s home.
- He urged Parliament to ensure state agencies follow due process.
- The Special Prosecutor accused Ofori-Atta of corruption in key dealings.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the parliamentary minority leader, has vehemently denounced as unlawful a purported state security operation raid on the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Afenyo-Markin slams unconstitutional raid on Ken Ofori-Atta’s home
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, February 12, Afenyo-Markin denounced the move, calling it illegal and a clear breach of the right to private guaranteed by Article 18 of the Constitution.
“You are violating Article 18 of the Constitution, which protects that right, if you enter someone’s home without the proper authorization,” he stated. “This raid was completely unconstitutional and had no legal justification.”
Ofori-Atta had already notified authorities of his absence and submitted medical records from a respected clinic, Afenyo-Markin stressed.
“We must adhere to due process if there are any concerns. “It is unacceptable to use a home raid to ensure national security,” he continued.
The minority leader cautioned that if Parliament approves of such behavior, it may create a risky precedent for public servants.
It might be another public servant tomorrow, but today it’s Ken Ofori-Atta. We can’t let this go on,” he declared.
According to Myjoyonline, he called on his fellow majority members to support the demand that constitutional values be respected and that state security forces function within the bounds of the law.
“I implore my colleagues to back this call and contribute to upholding law and order so that nobody exploits the situation to incite violence,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
Additionally, Afenyo-Markin emphasized Ofori-Atta’s accomplishments as finance minister, especially the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School policy.
Former finance minister’s contributions highlighted amid growing controversy
Indeed, as finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta spearheaded the effective implementation of Free SHS. He made sure that important government programs were implemented. Instead of taking acts that violate constitutional rights, let’s resolve any issues through the appropriate legal processes, he said.
Following a press briefing earlier on Wednesday in which Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng named Ofori-Atta a fugitive due to suspected corruption, Afenyo-Markin made these comments.
The accusations concern his involvement in a number of transactions, such as the building of the National Cathedral and contracts between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd. (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
