Minority accuses security of intimidation, human rights abuses

The Minority in Parliament has accused state security operatives of engaging in intimidation and human rights abuses against former government officials, warning that such actions threaten democracy and investor confidence.

Addressing a press conference yesterday at the Parliament House, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, condemned what he described as a pattern of unlawful raids targeting appointees of former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

“As unleashed on opponents, particularly the NPP appointees of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the aim of this is to intimidate and frustrate them,” he said.

It follows a raid on the residence of former Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, in which some armed men allegedly stormed his residence last Wednesday searching for cash in a supposed vault.

Similar incident

Afenyo-Markin, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, recalled a similar incident where another high-profile former official had also been subjected to a similar raid.

“First was a raid on the home of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, led by Richard Jakpa, a known NDC activist who describes himself as director of operations at the National Security,” he said.

According to him, these raids are being conducted in a manner that violates the rights of the individuals involved, adding: “This Rambo-style approach must cease.”

He further alleged that some operatives used those raids as an opportunity to steal.

“Some of these hungry party footsoldiers that they use, who parade themselves as national security operatives, are after all perhaps not even being paid and they use this opportunity to steal,” he claimed.

He warned that if these actions continue, ordinary citizens may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands.

“Soon it could lead to some self-protection mechanisms from citizens and people whose lives and property feel threatened,” he cautioned.

Confidence

The Minority Leader called on President John Mahama to take immediate steps to address these concerns and restore public confidence in the rule of law.

“Your Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, please leave a legacy.

Let it be said that even if there were excesses in the exercise of executive power, when you had the opportunity, you changed it for good and owned that legacy in your name, Your Excellency,” he urged.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also condemned the recent arrest of political commentator Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, describing it as another example of state intimidation.

“Although he was released last night, we strongly protest his arrest by state security operatives in that Rambo-style,” he said.

The Minority reiterated their call for an end to what they described as lawless conduct, urging the government to ensure security agencies operate within the confines of the law.