The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate summoning of the National Security Coordinator following the raid on the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP, Habib Iddrisu, made the demand on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, condemning the incident as a threat to Ghana’s democracy.
“Mr Speaker, Ghana has been known for the democracy 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.
On Tuesday afternoon, a group of individuals, including some in military and police uniforms, reportedly stormed the former minister’s residence in Cantonments in his absence.
However, Habib Iddrisu reiterated that Mr. Ofori-Atta had officially informed the Chief of Staff of his travel plans and had received approval before leaving the country.
“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.
He further revealed that the raid was not an isolated incident, citing a similar case involving former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, who was allegedly pursued by security operatives while driving to Parliament.
“Two weeks ago, the former Defence Minister, Nitiwul, was stopped, and his car was chased to Parliament to be seized. Mr Speaker, this is not the democracy we are all enjoying. For former ministers’ houses to be raided, I think the National Security Minister needs to come around and explain,” he asserted.
The Minority caucus is demanding accountability from the National Security leadership to clarify the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
Meanwhile, there were widespread reports that the raid was carried out by operatives from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), but Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has denied any involvement.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Mr. Agyebeng declared Mr. Ofori-Atta wanted as a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations.
He stated that the former minister, who is reportedly in the United States for medical treatment, must return to Ghana immediately for interrogation.
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