KEY POINTS
- Ghana’s Parliament apologizes to Ken Ofori-Atta over the security raid.
- OSP declares Ofori-Atta a fugitive and launches corruption investigations.
- Lawmakers criticize the use of security forces in civilian matters.
Ghana’s Majority in Parliament has apologized to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta following a raid on his private residence on February 11, 2025. The operation, carried out by men in military and police uniforms, has sparked national controversy.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on February 13, 2025, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga described the incident as regrettable. He assured lawmakers that necessary steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
Ayariga disclosed that investigations revealed the operation was led by Richard Jakpa, an official from the National Security Coordinator’s office.
He emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration remains committed to upholding the rights and liberties of all citizens.
“The President remains committed to ensuring that the rights of every Ghanaian are protected. We have received assurances from the office of the National Security Coordinator that the incident was never meant to happen,” Ayariga stated.
According to Graphic Online, he further emphasized that such actions should not happen again under democratic rule.
OSP declares Ofori-Atta a Fugitive
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has distanced itself from the security operation, labeling it a staged incident. The OSP has since declared Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive, naming him a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations.
At a press briefing, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated:
“Consequently, the OSP declares Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta a wanted person. He is a fugitive from the law.”
The investigations into Ofori-Atta include allegations related to:
- The National Cathedral project.
- A deal involving Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
- A loss reduction contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and a Chinese firm.
- Ministry of Health contracts with Service Ghana Auto Limited for ambulances.
The OSP has warned that legal measures will be taken if Ofori-Atta fails to return for questioning.
Military involvement sparks backlash
The use of security forces in the raid has raised concerns among lawmakers. Former Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul criticized the deployment of soldiers in civilian matters, calling it a violation of democratic principles.
“In a democracy, you do not use soldiers to raid someone’s home, especially when that person has informed authorities of their absence,” Nitiwul said.
His comments followed a statement from MP John Jinapor, who recalled a similar raid on his residence in 2017 during an investigation into the Ameri deal. He described the trauma his family endured, urging authorities to ensure accountability in political investigations.
With tensions rising, the Majority in Parliament reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of all Ghanaians, vowing to uphold the rule of law in future investigations.
