Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for strong condemnation after Ken Ofori-Atta’s home was allegedly raided by state security operatives arguing that the action was unconstitutional.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament today, Wednesday, February 12, Afenyo-Markin criticised the action, saying it was unlawful and a clear breach of the constitution.
“If you invade someone’s home without lawful authority, you are violating Article 18 of the Constitution, which protects that right,” he said. “There was no legal basis for this raid, and it is entirely unconstitutional.”
Afenyo-Markin noted that Mr Ofori-Atta had already informed the state of his absence and had provided his medical records from a respected medical facility.
“If there is any concern, we must follow the due process of law. A home raid is not an acceptable means of ensuring national security,” he added.
He warned that if the majority in Parliament support such actions, then this message may be sent to all public office holders.
“Today it is Ken Ofori-Atta, and tomorrow it could be another public servant. We must not allow this to continue,” he said.
The minority leader also recalled Ken Ofori-Atta’s role as Financial Minister, highlighting his contribution to the successful rollout of the free senior high school policy.
“Indeed, the successful implementation of the Free SHS was led by Ken Ofori-Atta as finance minister, he made sure he rolled out all important policies of government.
If there is any issue, let us address it through proper legal channels rather than through acts that undermine our constitutional rights,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin urged his colleagues on the majority side to unite in upholding the rule of law and to support measures that ensure state security agencies act within the boundaries set by the constitution.
“I will conclude by urging my colleagues to support this call in bringing sanity in the country so that nobody will take the advantage to unleash any violence on anybody,”
His comments come in response to a press briefing held on Wednesday, February 12, where Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng named Mr Ofori-Atta as a fugitive on grounds of suspected corruption.
The allegations stem from his involvement in several dealings, including the construction of the National Cathedral and agreements between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML) among others.
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Source: JoyNews
