A photo collage of Kwesi Pratt (L) and Richard Jakpa
Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has raised concerns about the legality of a recent raid conducted at the private residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Speaking in an interview on UTV, monitored by GhanaWeb on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Pratt clarified that while he was not asserting Ofori-Atta’s innocence regarding ongoing corruption allegations, the manner in which the operation was carried out was questionable.
He specifically criticized the role of Richard Jakpa, the Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, questioning his authority to lead such an operation.
“I am not in any way suggesting that Ken Ofori-Atta is innocent of the charges. He could very well be guilty of the alleged corruption charges, and investigations by the OSP will determine that. However, that does not give Richard Jakpa the right to lead a raid on his private residence, regardless of his role at National Security. It shouldn’t have happened, and that is all I am saying,” he stated.
Pratt further demanded clarification on the legal framework under which Jakpa operated.
“On what legal basis did he lead the raid at Ken Ofori-Atta’s residence? Which laws in the country back his actions? I simply do not understand his actions,” he added.
The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has confirmed Jakpa’s involvement in the operation, revealing that the raid was conducted by a team comprising military and police personnel.
Addressing the issue in Parliament on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Ayariga stated, “Mr. Speaker, it is true that the private residence of the former Finance Minister was entered by operatives of the military and the police, led by someone who we believe works at the National Security Coordinator’s office. His name is Richard Jakpa.”
Ayariga expressed regret over the incident and extended an apology 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 never intended for such an incident to occur. This occurrence is most regrettable and unfortunate. I personally extend my apologies to the former Finance Minister, and I believe that this should suffice,” he said.
CCTV footage allegedly showing individuals raiding Ofori-Atta’s Cantonments residence surfaced on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Reports indicate that the group consisted of about 12 individuals, including five in military uniforms, one in police uniform, and others in plain clothes.
The former minister was reportedly out of the country receiving medical care at the time.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared Ken Ofori-Atta wanted in connection with allegations of causing financial loss to the state.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta was being investigated for his role in multiple transactions, including the controversial National Cathedral project and the Ghana Revenue Authority’s contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
Kissi Agyebeng dismissed suggestions that the OSP was behind the raid, insisting that it was an attempt to discredit the office and obstruct its work.
“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 stated.
JKB/MA
Meanwhile, watch as Joseph Yammin warns NDC MPs over apologizing for Ken Ofori-Atta’s house raid