The former Finance Minister of Ghana, Ken Ofori-Atta, has initiated legal proceedings against two officials of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) over allegations of trespass and breach of privacy.
The lawsuit, filed at the High Court in Accra, names DSP Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, also known as Sir Mensah, as the defendants in the case.
The writ of summons, issued under suit number 16819454 and filed on behalf of Ofori-Atta by his legal counsel, Bright Okyere-Adjekum of Adjekum & Co., alleged that the defendants unlawfully entered his private residence in Labone, Accra, on February 11, 2025.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Ofori-Atta was out of the country for medical treatment at the time of the incident.
His domestic staff reported that a team of 12 individuals, including the two defendants, nine military personnel armed with assault rifles, and several plainclothes officers, entered the property without prior notice or consent.
The said NIB officials, according to the statement of claim, conducted an extensive search of the premises, including private spaces such as bedrooms, the kitchen, and closets, without presenting a warrant or explaining the purpose of the search.
The plaintiff alleged that the raid was not only trespassory but also invasive of his privacy rights, adding that a member of the raiding team reportedly filmed the entire operation using a cell phone, further exacerbating the breach of privacy.
“The raiding team did not produce any form of warrant nor indicate to the Plaintiff’s domestic staff the basis for the search but warned the domestic staff to desist from using their mobile phones throughout the entire period of the unauthorized operation.”
Bright Okyere -Adjekum ESq., Counsel for Mr Ken Ofori Atta
Mr Ofori-Atta further claims that the raid has caused damage to his reputation both domestically and internationally.
“Plaintiff says further that the raid on the property which gained notoriety both domestically and internationally has not only exposed him to public ridicule, resentment and scorn but also portrayed him as a criminal and this has negatively impacted his hard earned reputation in the international community.”
Bright Okyere -Adjekum ESq., Counsel for Mr Ken Ofori Atta
Multiple Reliefs
The suit contends that this action constituted an invasion of privacy and an act of trespass.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Ofori-Atta is seeking multiple reliefs, including a declaration that the defendants’ entry and search of his residence were illegal, trespassory, and a violation of his right to privacy.
He also demanded damages for trespass, aggravated damages for the breach of his privacy, a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further interference in his private affairs and legal costs associated with the case.
The High Court has instructed the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days from the date of service of the writ.
Failure to comply may result in a default judgment being issued against them. The summons further stipulated that the defendants must respond either personally or through legal representation.
Ofori-Atta, a prominent figure in Ghana’s financial and political landscape, served as Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024, overseeing key economic policies, including Ghana’s engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
His tenure was marked by significant fiscal challenges, debt restructuring efforts, and major economic reforms.
The case is expected to proceed through preliminary hearings before full trial proceedings commence.
If Mr Ofori-Atta’s claims are upheld, the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for security agencies, potentially leading to reforms in how investigative operations involving private residences are conducted.
READ ALSO: GIPC Strengthens Investment Drive with Strategic Engagements
