The controversy surrounding the search of former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison’s residence escalated as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, vehemently refuted allegations of theft leveled against security operatives by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin. Afenyo-Markin had publicly accused the officers of stealing GHS10,000 in cash and jewelry belonging to Dr. Addison’s wife during the operation. Dr. Ayine, in a press conference on March 24, 2025, categorically denied these accusations, labeling them as false, baseless, and an affront to the integrity of law enforcement. He challenged Afenyo-Markin to substantiate his claims and warned against the misuse of parliamentary immunity to defame public officials carrying out their lawful duties. This public clash underscores the heightened political tensions surrounding the investigation into Dr. Addison’s tenure as Governor.
The allegations of theft, first aired by Afenyo-Markin during a press conference on March 20, 2025, painted a picture of misconduct within the security forces. He claimed that GHS10,000 in cash, along with Dr. Addison’s wife’s earrings and necklaces, went missing during the search, implying that the operatives involved were responsible for the disappearance. This accusation quickly became a point of contention, with Dr. Ayine rising to the defense of the security personnel and the integrity of the investigative process. His strong rebuttal signaled a determination to counter what he perceived as unfounded and damaging allegations aimed at discrediting the ongoing investigation.
Dr. Ayine’s response not only denied the allegations but also challenged the manner in which they were made. He criticized Afenyo-Markin for using his parliamentary platform to publicly accuse law enforcement officers without providing evidence. This, he argued, constituted an abuse of parliamentary immunity and undermined the principle of allowing public officials to perform their duties without fear of unwarranted public defamation. By framing the accusations as an attack on the integrity of law enforcement, Dr. Ayine sought to shift the narrative away from the alleged theft and towards the responsibility of public figures to exercise caution and refrain from making unsubstantiated claims.
The clash between the Attorney General and the Minority Leader highlights the broader political context within which the search of Dr. Addison’s residence occurred. The investigation into Dr. Addison’s tenure as Governor of the Bank of Ghana was already a sensitive issue, with potential political ramifications. Afenyo-Markin’s allegations of theft further inflamed the situation, adding another layer of complexity to an already charged atmosphere. The public exchange between the two officials served as a microcosm of the larger political tensions and rivalries at play.
Dr. Ayine’s insistence on the legality of the search and the professionalism of the security operatives involved suggests a commitment to upholding the integrity of the investigative process. His challenge to Afenyo-Markin to produce evidence supporting his claims reflects a desire to bring the focus back to the facts of the case. By emphasizing the importance of allowing law enforcement to conduct their duties without undue interference or public disparagement, Dr. Ayine aimed to reinforce the principle of due process and the rule of law.
This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between the right to free speech, particularly for those with parliamentary immunity, and the responsibility to avoid making unfounded accusations that could damage reputations and undermine public trust in institutions. The ongoing investigation into Dr. Addison’s tenure, combined with the public sparring between high-ranking officials, promises to keep this issue in the public eye and contribute to the ongoing political discourse. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions taken in response to the allegations of theft will likely have significant implications for all parties involved and potentially shape the future direction of related policy discussions.
