Paul Adom Otchere host of ‘Good Evening Ghana’ on Metro TV, has alleged that national security operative Richard Jakpa has organized additional raids targeting individuals affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The list of potential targets includes Adom Otchere himself; former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame; former Minister of Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah; Gabby Otchere Darko; and former Minister of Communications Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
During his show on Thursday, March 20, Adom Othchere stated, “They want these arrests to happen quickly to create a specific perception about the former appointees and as payback for Jakpa.”
His comments followed a raid on the home of former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, conducted by Jakpa and his team on Tuesday, March 18.
Jakpa’s Motivation
Adom Otchere provided further details about the allegations, indicating that Jakpa has targeted him and Godfred Dame due to the ambulance case.
He stated, “Jakpa has targeted me because of my commentary during his trial, and Godfred Dame because he was the one who prosecuted him in that trial.”
Stolen Items
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during an earlier press conference, mentioned that the raid on Dr. Addison’s house did not yield any incriminating evidence, but GHc10,000 found on his bed and some jewelry belonging to the former governor’s wife were stolen.
“They dismantled the CCTV infrastructure in Dr. Addison’s house, following the raid on Ken Ofori-Atta’s residence, where a CCTV camera exposed their nefarious activities. “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” Paul reminded the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Widespread Condemnation
The raid on the former governor’s residence has drawn widespread condemnation.
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, expressed his outrage on Facebook, describing the search of Dr. Addison’s home as uncalled for.
He stated, “We should not behave like brute, over-drugged bandits in ‘searching’ for information.”
In another post, he questioned: “Thieving thugs, supposedly from National Security, raided the home of the former Bank of Ghana governor? Mr. President, IGP, what is going on?” Cudjoe also remarked on the embarrassing situation where the Majority Leader of the ruling government feels compelled to apologize on behalf of state-sponsored thugs who raid the homes of citizens, adding, “In a civilized country, warrants are secured for lawful searches, not to vandalize property or steal food, money, and jewelry.”
Dr. Steve Manteaw, a policy analyst and communication strategist, commented, “This blatant use of National Security to settle personal scores must stop. It’s evil and a complete affront to our democracy.”
