The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has expressed his regret to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta following an unapproved raid on his private residence by armed military personnel on Monday, February 11. He reassured the public that necessary measures have been implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
While addressing Parliament on Thursday, February 13, Ayariga clarified, “Yesterday, the deputy minority whip sought the Speaker's indulgence to raise a matter he considered urgent. He highlighted two concerns: press statements from the Special Prosecutor and the unauthorized military-police intrusion into the private residence of Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta.”
He further explained that the incident had sparked intense debate within the House, prompting him to conduct investigations into the circumstances of the joint security operation. He emphasized the constitutional rights of all individuals, including privacy and property protection, and reiterated the commitment of former President John Mahama to uphold the law and ensure institutional accountability.
Ayariga stated, “I have engaged relevant stakeholders to ascertain the details. Indeed, security operatives, reportedly under the leadership of Mr. Jakpa from the National Security Coordinator’s office, entered Ofori-Atta’s residence. We have received assurances that this was an unintended occurrence and will not be repeated. The Minister of Interior, the Inspector General of Police, and the Minister of Defence have all pledged that such actions will not happen again.”
He reassured members of the House that the government remains committed to institutional accountability and the protection of citizens' rights under Mahama’s leadership. Extending a personal apology to Ofori-Atta, Ayariga stated his hope that this statement would suffice.
During parliamentary proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, former Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, condemned the use of military personnel to raid private residences in democratic governance. He responded to John Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, who recounted a similar incident in 2017 when his home was raided as part of investigations into the Ameri deal.
Jinapor recalled, “On that day, AK-47-wielding National Security operatives stormed my residence, terrifying my family, including my six-year-old child. They seized my phone and laptop and later took my phone to the UK for further investigations.”
In response, Nitiwul criticized the approach taken against Ofori-Atta, stating, “In a democracy, you do not deploy soldiers to raid someone's home, especially when the person has already informed authorities of their absence. Ofori-Atta had notified the OSP that he was out of the country and would report upon his return. Such an operation was unwarranted.”
The Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared Ofori-Atta a wanted individual in connection with ongoing investigations into various contracts, including the ECG-Beijing Jao deal, procurement for the National Cathedral, Health Ministry contracts with Service Ghana Auto Limited, and the SML-GRA agreement. The OSP has vowed to take necessary steps to ensure Ofori-Atta's compliance with investigations.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated, “Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is now officially declared a fugitive from the law.”
In response, Ofori-Atta’s legal representatives clarified his position, stating, “Our client was out of Ghana at the time the OSP’s letter was delivered. He is currently undergoing medical observation and will communicate his availability once he is fit to return.”
The letter from his lawyers emphasized that Ofori-Atta had previously informed both the former and current Chiefs of Staff about his medical trip. They assured authorities that he remains willing to cooperate with investigations and provide necessary information.
The controversy continues to unfold as stakeholders call for transparency and adherence to due process in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
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