Minority Demands End to Arbitrary Arrests of Ex-Govt Appointees, Urges AG to Prosecute with Evidence
The Minority in Parliament has issued a stern warning to the government and the Attorney General, demanding an immediate end to what it describes as “unlawful raids, arbitrary arrests, and politically motivated harassment” of former government officials.
At a press conference held on Monday, Second Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, condemned recent operations led by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and National Security, describing them as blatant abuses of power designed to intimidate political opponents and distract from the government’s current challenges.
“These midnight raids, arbitrary detentions, and unconstitutional actions have no place in a democracy,” Hon. Shaib declared. “State power must be exercised in good faith, not wielded as a weapon of political intimidation.”
Raids on High-Profile Individuals
According to the Minority, recent operations targeting former officials—including former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, and ex-Energy Minister John Peter Amewu—lack due process and are in clear violation of constitutional protections.
Citing Article 18 of the 1992 Constitution, the caucus emphasized the rights of individuals to privacy, liberty, and protection from arbitrary arrest and unlawful searches.
The Minority detailed several incidents, including:
A February 10 raid on Mr. Ofori-Atta’s residence, reportedly conducted without a warrant while he was abroad.
A March 5 invasion of Hon. John Peter Amewu’s Hohoe residence by armed men claiming to be National Security operatives.
The arrest of former National Signals Bureau Director, Mr. Kwabena Adu Boahene, at Kotoka International Airport on March 21, alongside his wife and pastor, who have allegedly been held for over 48 hours without charge.
“How do you treat top security actors this way in a country governed by the rule of law?” Shaib questioned. “These tactics are reminiscent of a coup era, not a constitutional democracy.”
Criticism of the Attorney General The Minority also reserved sharp criticism for the Attorney General, accusing him of overstepping his role by ordering arrests and leading investigations—actions they argue undermine the rule of law.
“The Attorney General is not an investigator, nor a judge. His role is to provide legal advice after investigations are concluded, not to direct security operations,” said Hon. Shaib. “He is now conducting inquisitions and attempting to convict political opponents in the court of public opinion.”
Referring specifically to the raid on Dr. Addison’s residence, the Minority questioned the legality of the operation.
“If there was a valid court-issued warrant, why was it not shown? Why was his CCTV system dismantled and taken? These are not the hallmarks of a lawful search,” Shaib asserted.
He added that reports of an apology from the National Security Coordinator to Dr. Addison via the phone of Richard Jakpa further cast doubt on the legitimacy of the raid.
Rejecting the “New Modus Operandi
The Minority condemned what they see as a new political strategy by the ruling government to use security institutions as tools of repression.
“This new approach of parading political opponents in handcuffs, keeping them in custody without charge, and leaking details to the media must stop,” Shaib said. “If you have evidence against someone, take it to court. If not, stop maligning people with press conferences and raids.”
They also rejected suggestions by Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai that MPs are abusing parliamentary privilege.
“It is not MPs who are abusing constitutional protections, it is the state security apparatus that has been weaponized for political ends,” Shaib responded.
A Call for Accountability and Restraint
The Minority warned that Ghana’s democracy cannot thrive under “a climate of fear and selective justice.”
“We are clear in our minds that these actions are a diversion from the government’s struggles with economic management, illegal mining, and power crises. But intimidating opponents is not the solution,” Shaib said.
He called on civil society, the media, and all Ghanaians to speak out against what he termed “a growing trend of institutional abuse.”
“Let the courts decide guilt or innocence. Let evidence—not vengeance—guide our justice system,” he concluded. “Ghana deserves better.”
Source: Felix Nyaaba//expressnewsghana.com
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