Minority Calls for Probe into Raid on Ofori-Atta's Home

Feb 12, 2025 - 20:10

Habib Iddrisu is the First Deputy Minority Whip

Accra, Ghana - 12 Feb, 2025 - A mysterious raid on the residence of Ghana's former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has sparked outrage and demands for accountability in Parliament, with opposition lawmakers calling for the National Security Coordinator to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of individuals, including some in military and police uniforms, stormed Ofori-Atta's home in Labone on Tuesday afternoon, while he was reportedly out of the country.

First Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu condemned the raid, describing it as a threat to Ghana's democratic values while speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday.

Iddrisu questioned why the raid took place despite Ofori-Atta having officially informed the Chief of Staff of his absence from the country and receiving approval to travel. He also referenced a recent incident involving former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, who was allegedly pursued by security operatives while driving to Parliament.

The Minority in Parliament is now calling for the immediate summoning of the National Security Coordinator to clarify the events surrounding the raid.

“Mr Speaker, Ghana has been noted for the democracy that 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.

“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.''

“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 that we are all enjoying, and for former ministers’ houses to be raided, I think the National Security Minister needs to come around and explain,” the Minority Chief Whip asserted.

The incident has raised concerns about the use of security agencies for political purposes and the erosion of democratic values in Ghana.