The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the Mahama administration, accusing it of harassing and intimidating former government officials appointed by ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. According to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs), several past appointees have become targets of state investigations, which they claim are politically motivated.
Addressing the media in Parliament, Deputy Minority Chief Whip and MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, condemned the actions of the Justice Minister, the Attorney General, and the National Security apparatus, warning against what he described as an abuse of power.
He urged investigative bodies to operate within the confines of the law, stating that several former government officials have faced unwarranted searches, arrests, and detentions, including former Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison.
“We are here today to address a matter of critical national importance, one that strikes at the very heart of our democracy, the rule of law, and the sanctity of individual rights. The recent raids on the residence of Dr. Ernest Addison and other former government officials by national security operatives raise serious concerns about the abuse of state power,” Jerry Ahmed stated.
The Minority provided a list of past government officials they claim have been targeted by security agencies. They allege that:
•Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, had his residence raided on February 10, 2025, without a warrant while he was out of the country.
•Former Energy Minister, John Peter Amewu, experienced a similar incident on March 5, 2025, when armed security personnel stormed his residence in Hohoe.
•Former Director of Operations at the Jubilee House, Lord Oblitey Commey, had his house searched on January 31, 2025, with security officials allegedly seizing personal belongings.
•Former Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Chairman, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, was arrested at his residence on February 23, 2025, by National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) operatives.
•Former Director of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Ebo Wain, was reportedly detained for over 48 hours without charges after being arrested at Kotoka International Airport.
The Minority questioned the legality of these actions, arguing that they violate Article 18 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ rights to privacy and protection from unlawful searches. They further accused security agencies of abusing their authority by conducting midnight raids, detaining individuals without proper justification, and using excessive force.
Jerry Ahmed pointed to the case of Dr. Ernest Addison, stating that the National Security Coordinator allegedly apologized to him through a phone call after the controversial raid. “If the actions were lawful, why was there a need for an apology?” he questioned.
The Minority also took aim at the Attorney General, accusing him of overstepping his role by acting as both an investigator and a prosecutor. According to them, the Attorney General should not be directly involved in conducting investigations but should assess cases only after investigative bodies have completed their work.
“The Attorney General is supposed to be an officer of the court, not a political enforcer. His role is to ensure justice, not to determine guilt before a court trial. The way he is handling these cases is undermining the justice system and eroding public confidence in our legal institutions,” Jerry Ahmed stated.
The Minority called on civil society organizations, the media, and the general public to speak against what they described as growing political intimidation through state institutions.
They warned that if such actions continue, Ghana’s democracy could be at risk. “Today, it is Dr. Addison; tomorrow, it could be anyone. If we allow state institutions to be used as tools for political persecution, we will be setting a dangerous precedent for our democracy,” Jerry Ahmed added.
The Minority concluded by urging the government to respect the rule of law and stop what they termed as politically motivated harassment against former officials.
