The Majority in Parliament has apologized to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta following a raid on his private residence by individuals dressed in military and police uniforms on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga expressed regret over the incident, calling it unfortunate. He assured that steps had been taken to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
Ayariga revealed that investigations identified Richard Jakpa, an official at the National Security Coordinator’s office, as the leader of the operation. He reaffirmed the Mahama administration’s dedication to protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
“President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to ensuring that every individual’s rights and liberties are respected. The National Security Coordinator’s office has assured us that this incident was not intentional,” he stated.
He further emphasized that Jakpa had pledged such an event would not happen again. Concluding his remarks, Ayariga personally extended an apology to Ofori-Atta, hoping the matter would be resolved.
The raid took place at Ofori-Atta’s residence in Cantonments, Accra, while he was outside the country. However, his wife and other family members were present at the time. Media reports indicate that approximately 12 individuals—five in military attire, one in a police uniform, and the rest in plain clothes—were involved in the operation.
On February 12, 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) denied any involvement, calling the raid a staged event. The OSP subsequently declared Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive and named him a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations.
During a press briefing, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng announced: “Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is now declared a wanted person. He is evading the law.”
Ofori-Atta is currently under investigation for alleged corruption linked to, the National Cathedral project, a deal between Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and a Chinese firm for loss reduction, Contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health to Service Ghana Auto Limited for ambulance procurement.
The OSP has warned that legal action will be taken to compel his return if he fails to report for questioning.
During parliamentary discussions on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul criticized the use of military personnel in such operations, arguing that it violated democratic principles.
“In a democracy, you do not send soldiers to raid someone’s home, especially when the individual has already informed authorities of their absence and willingness to cooperate upon return,” Nitiwul asserted.
His comments came in response to MP for Yapei Kusawgu, John Jinapor, who recalled a similar experience in 2017 when National Security operatives raided his home during an investigation into the Ameri deal. Jinapor described the fear and distress caused to his family, particularly his six-year-old child, during the incident.
He concluded by stressing the need for public officials to be held accountable while wishing Ofori-Atta “the best of luck” in his legal battle.
By Agyemang Effie | Ghana News Guide | 13th February 2025
