Security raids on former officials are more about optics than investigations – Analyst

Public policy analyst and advocate Rodaline Ayama has questioned the recent security raids on former government officials, suggesting that they appear to be more about optics and psychological pressure than genuine investigative efforts.

Speaking on TV3’s Big Issue on Thursday, March 20, 2025, Ayama argued that these high-profile operations are designed to create a spectacle rather than uncover wrongdoing.

Her comments come in the wake of the alleged raid by National Security operatives on the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, on March 19, 2025. On the same day, journalist Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah was arrested and later released. A similar security operation was conducted on February 11, when the home of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was reportedly searched.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly condemned the raids, accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of using state security agencies to intimidate political opponents.

They argue that such tactics undermine democracy and amount to political harassment.

Ayama pointed out that there is a widespread belief that former officials hide money in their homes, often under their beds, in ceilings, and even in water tanks.

However, she dismissed the likelihood of such practices, arguing that, given past high-profile cash recoveries, it is unlikely that illicit funds would still be stored in such obvious locations.

“The money is never found where you think it will be,” she stated, implying that the raids are more about intimidation than effective law enforcement.

Ayama urged authorities to adopt a more transparent and law-abiding approach, ensuring that accountability efforts do not infringe on individual rights.

She emphasised the need for a balanced approach that holds officials accountable without resorting to intimidation tactics.