Security Analyst, Richard Kumador, has slammed the politicisation of the law enforcement agencies saying the political class “use them for their beck and call.”
According to Mr. Kumador, the practice has become a “problem” in the country considering the fact that due process is not adhered to in carriage of duties by these agencies.
He was referring to the recent raid on the residence of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, by some National Security operatives.
Analysing the procedure characterising the operation, Kumador contended that “there is a problem”, explaining how “politicians have bastardised the law enforcement agencies” adding that “they use them for their beck and call.”
In his explanation, he held that “any person who has come under security notice or investigation notice can be arrested with warrant or without warrant and your properties can also be searched with warrant or without warrant.”
However, he explained that the second option, when used, should come with some protocols and not just be carried out as in the case of Ken Ofori-Atta.
Speaking on Ghana Tonight on TV3 Thursday, February 13, 2025, he said “if they decide to come with the second option –without warrant –it means that they are coming on certificate of emergency when they realise that you have some stuff that is of investigative interest and they decide to do so.”
“In doing so, the standard procedure is to identify yourself and declare to the person who you are and why you are there,” he explained.
According to eyewitness accounts and security footage, a group of individuals, including some men in military and police uniforms, stormed Mr Ofori-Atta’s residence in Cantonments, Accra on Tuesday afternoon, February 11, 2025, while he was out of the country.
However, Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has confirmed to Parliament that the National Security Coordinator has admitted that the raid on Ofori-Atta’s home was regrettable.
Ofori-Atta’s home was raided amid the OSP’s declaration of him being wanted, and describing him as a fugitive of justice.
“It is true that the private residence of the former Finance Minister was raided by operatives of the military and police, led by someone we believe works at the National Security Coordinator’s Office, his name is Mr. Jakpa.
“We have investigated the matter and we want to assure our fellow countrymen and our colleagues in this House that we have received assurances from the Office of the National Security Coordinator that this was not intended to happen. The occurrence is most regrettable and unfortunate, and he has given this House his word that such an incident will never happen again,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ofori-Atta has been declared by the Special Prosecutor as a fugitive of justice who is being investigated for some corruption and corruption related cases.
Ofori-Atta ought to face the law if there is evidence of corruption- NPP MP
