Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin vehemently denounced the alleged intrusion into the home of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, characterizing it as an egregious breach of constitutional guarantees and fundamental human rights. Speaking before Parliament, Afenyo-Markin expressed grave concern over the reported involvement of state security personnel in the operation, arguing that such actions represent a clear and present danger to the democratic foundations of Ghana. He specifically cited Article 18 of the Constitution, which enshrines the sanctity of the home and protects individuals from unlawful searches and seizures, as having been flagrantly violated in this instance. He underscored the lack of any legal justification for the raid, asserting its inherent unconstitutionality.
Afenyo-Markin highlighted the fact that Ofori-Atta had duly notified the state of his intended travel and had provided supporting medical documentation from a reputable healthcare institution. This proactive disclosure, he argued, further invalidated the need for such a heavy-handed approach. He questioned the rationale behind resorting to drastic measures when established legal procedures could have been followed. The Minority Leader stressed the paramount importance of adhering to due process, emphasizing that a home invasion cannot be considered an acceptable method for ensuring national security. He warned that failing to condemn such actions sets a perilous precedent that could erode the very fabric of Ghana’s legal framework.
Afenyo-Markin cautioned that the implications of this incident extend far beyond the individual case of Ofori-Atta. He argued that if such arbitrary actions are tolerated, they could become a normalized practice, jeopardizing the rights of any public servant and undermining the rule of law. He invoked the potential for future abuses, suggesting that today’s target could be Ofori-Atta, but tomorrow it could be any other individual holding a public office. He urged Parliament to act decisively to prevent such transgressions from becoming commonplace. The Minority Leader implicitly called for unity across party lines, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all members of Parliament to safeguard the principles of legality and prevent state institutions from exceeding their constitutional mandates.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations against Ofori-Atta, Afenyo-Markin insisted on the necessity of upholding due process and ensuring that any investigations are conducted transparently and within the bounds of the law. He explicitly condemned the use of unconstitutional measures like home raids, regardless of the accusations being leveled. He recognized Ofori-Atta’s significant contributions to Ghana’s economic stewardship, particularly his pivotal role in the implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. He underscored the former minister’s dedication to this initiative, emphasizing his active involvement in ensuring the successful rollout of key government policies. He implicitly suggested that even if there are legitimate concerns regarding Ofori-Atta’s conduct, these should be addressed through established legal channels, not through actions that undermine fundamental rights.
Afenyo-Markin’s address followed a press briefing earlier that day where Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng declared Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive, accusing him of involvement in numerous financial improprieties. These accusations encompassed a range of contentious dealings, including the controversial National Cathedral project and the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML) contract scandal. Agyebeng’s declaration and the subsequent raid appear to stem from these allegations, painting a picture of a rapidly escalating situation. However, the Minority Leader’s intervention serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of upholding constitutional principles even when pursuing individuals suspected of wrongdoing.
Afenyo-Markin’s impassioned plea to his parliamentary colleagues underscored the gravity of the situation. He urged members from both the minority and majority sides to unite in defense of the rule of law, emphasizing their shared responsibility to prevent the arbitrary exercise of power. He called for “sanity” to prevail, implicitly warning against the potential for escalating tensions and violence if such actions are allowed to continue unchecked. His closing remarks served as a powerful call to action, urging Parliament to intervene and restore order, ensuring that no individual, regardless of their position or the accusations against them, is subjected to unlawful treatment. He painted a picture of a nation at a crossroads, where upholding the rule of law is paramount to safeguarding its democratic future.
