Parliament has summoned Interior Minister Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka to explain the circumstances surrounding the search of former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison’s residence. The minister is expected to appear before the House on March 25, 2025, to provide details on the raid, which took place on March 19.
Deputy Majority Leader George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan made the announcement while presenting the Business Statement in Parliament last Friday. He emphasized that all members should be present for the briefing.
The Controversial Search
On March 19, security operatives allegedly stormed Dr. Addison’s home in Roman Ridge at dawn, reportedly searching for cash in a vault. The incident has sparked concerns, with the Minority in Parliament strongly condemning what they see as a growing trend of unlawful raids targeting former government officials.
Minority’s Strong Response
In reaction, the Minority in Parliament held a press conference on March 20 to denounce the raid. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused the government of engaging in politically motivated searches against officials from the previous administration.
He recalled a similar raid on the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, allegedly led by Richard Jakpa, a known National Democratic Congress (NDC) activist. Afenyo-Markin insisted that such actions violated individual rights and called for an immediate end to what he described as “Rambo-style” operations.
Government’s Justification
In response to the criticism, government officials defended the operation, stating that the search was legally conducted as part of investigations into alleged misappropriation of state assets. Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Dr. Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that the raid was carried out with a valid warrant.
“We take full responsibility for these searches, and I can confirm they were conducted in accordance with legal procedures,” Dr. Srem-Sai stated.
Upcoming Briefing on Bank Collapses
During the Business Statement, Mr. Ricketts-Hagan also announced that the current Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, will brief Parliament on March 26. He will provide details on the collapse of several banks and financial institutions, a topic that has drawn significant public interest.
However, First Deputy Minority Chief Whip and New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, urged Parliament to clarify which banks would be discussed, as some cases are before the courts. Ricketts-Hagan assured members that the briefing would not interfere with ongoing legal proceedings but would provide MPs with necessary information.
This unfolding situation has heightened political tensions, with the Minority accusing the government of using security forces to intimidate former officials. The upcoming parliamentary sessions are expected to shed more light on these controversial developments.
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