Kwesi Pratt Jnr. (L) and Kissi Agyebeng (R)
The Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has raised critical questions regarding the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) recent press conference, where it was alleged that the raid on the former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta’s residence was staged.
Speaking on Peace FM on February 18, 2025, Kwesi Pratt highlighted inconsistencies in the OSP’s statements, particularly regarding the alleged staged raid on the former minister’s Cantonments residence.
He questioned how such a claim could be made when recent evidence revealed that the raid was led by Richard Jakpa, urging the OSP to clarify why such an allegation was made.
“During the Special Prosecutor’s press conference, he claimed that the raid on Ofori-Atta’s residence was staged to embarrass his office. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and nothing has been presented to prove its truth.
“What is emerging tells a different story, revealing inconsistencies in the OSP’s statements. What did the Special Prosecutor see to tell Ghanaians that Ofori-Atta planned with Jakpa to stage the raid at his residence? This matter should not be swept under the carpet—we need answers from him,” he said.
The veteran journalist called for a thorough investigation into the issue to uncover the full truth, cautioning that it should not be dismissed without consequences.
Staged raid allegation
During a press conference on February 12, 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) disclosed that the widely reported raid by alleged military personnel in uniform at the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was staged by dubious individuals.
Declaring Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted fugitive, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that the reported raid was orchestrated with the intent to create disaffection for the OSP and obstruct its ongoing investigations into him.
“Our intelligence indicates that the purported raid on Ofori-Atta’s residence was staged or, at best, an impostor action intended to discredit the OSP and derail the investigation. The OSP will not be deterred by such occurrences, and the investigations will continue as prescribed by law,” he said.
CCTV footage captures Richard Jakpa
However, CCTV footage identified Richard Jakpa as the leader of the group of 12 armed men who raided the former finance minister’s private residence in Cantonments, Accra.
This was also confirmed by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, when he publicly apologized to the former minister.
“So, Speaker, it is true that the private residence of the former Minister of Finance was entered into by operatives of the military and the police, led by somebody who we believe works at the National Security Coordinator’s office. Mr. Speaker, his name is Richard Jakpa,” he stated.
He expressed regret over the incident and apologized to Ken Ofori-Atta, describing the situation as unfortunate.
“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 it was not intended for such an incident to occur. That occurrence is most regrettable and unfortunate.
“I personally extend my apologies to the former Minister of Finance, and I believe that this should suffice,” he stated.
MAG/MA