Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused national security operatives, allegedly led by Richard Jakpa, of stealing valuables, including GH₵10,000 in cash and jewelry belonging to the wife of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, during a raid on his residence.
Addressing a press briefing in Parliament on Thursday, March 20, Afenyo-Markin claimed the operation yielded no incriminating evidence against Dr. Addison. However, after the search, GH₵10,000 that had been on the governor’s bed was missing. He further alleged that the operatives took the governor’s wife’s earrings and necklaces.
The Minority Leader also disclosed that three official vehicles belonging to Dr. Addison were confiscated during the raid but were later found abandoned at an undisclosed location. “Three official vehicles of the governor were taken away, only for him to be informed later that they had been parked somewhere, and he should send his drivers to pick them up,” he recounted.
Expressing concern over the conduct of the security personnel, Afenyo-Markin questioned the legality of their actions, particularly the dismantling of CCTV cameras at the residence before conducting their search. “If indeed they knew they were on a lawful path, why dismantle the CCTV monitor? Why take it away?” he asked.
He criticized the alleged abuse of power by security agencies and accused the ruling party of fostering a culture of lawlessness and intimidation. “The NDC should not reduce this country to a lawless state where people believe they can take the law into their own hands and intimidate others,” he stated.
Warning of the potential economic consequences, he argued that such incidents could erode investor confidence and trigger capital flight. “If investors witness such actions against government appointees, they will be hesitant to invest. Even ordinary Ghanaians will feel unsafe,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin called on President John Dramani Mahama to take steps to prevent such incidents from tarnishing his legacy. “I know President Mahama as a moderate and respected politician. The Ghanaian people have given him another mandate, and he should ensure he leaves a positive legacy,” he emphasized.
Additionally, he condemned the recent arrest of broadcaster Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah, who was allegedly forcefully taken into custody before being released later that night. “Although he was released last night, we strongly protest his arrest by state security operatives in a Rambo-style operation. Let’s enforce the laws with a human face,” he said.
