Former Member of Parliament for the Ledzokuku Constituency, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has issued a strong caution to President John Dramani Mahama regarding the actions of Richard Jakpa, the Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat.
Expressing concern over what he describes as indiscriminate raiding of the homes of former government officials, Okoe Boye warned that such behavior could tarnish the image of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and undermine Mahama’s efforts to rebuild trust with the Ghanaian people.
“The fear of giving power to a political party is that people without control, who are unhinged, people who can’t control themselves, who might have some excessive behavior, might try to take advantage of the power that has been given to the whole group and misbehave”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
Okoe Boye’s remarks highlight the broader fears associated with political power.
According to him, when power is entrusted to a group, there is always a risk that some individuals, lacking “self-restraint,” may misuse their position for personal gain or political intimidation.
In his assessment of Mahama’s leadership this time around, Okoe Boye acknowledged that many have observed a more disciplined and integrity-driven approach compared to his previous tenure.
He pointed to Mahama’s clear policy positions and the work put into fulfilling them, including promises such as the cancellation of the betting tax, as indications that he is attempting to deliver his commitments diligently.
“Many people have said that his conduct and the way he’s approached things this time is way better than the first time he came. Many have said that the way he’s gone about things, the integrity, the things he promised… People have said that it looks like this time, he’s trying to go by his words”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
However, he warned that the reckless actions of individuals like Richard Jakpa could erode the goodwill Mahama has been working to establish.
A Dangerous Precedent
Okoe Boye questioned the silence of those who previously criticized the use of force by security agencies but are now quiet in the face of Jakpa’s alleged aggressive tactics with the National Security.
He drew attention to the stark contrast between past criticisms of police weaponry and the current situation, where armed individuals reportedly invade homes with high-powered firearms.
“If the same NDC, who in opposition said it was not even right for a policeman to hold a gun anywhere Ghanaians were… why is the country quiet? Why do we live in a country where a man sitting with his wife and kids has bandits enter with AK-47s? Those who said a pistol was too big are today quiet when it’s an AK-47… what’s happening in Ghana?”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
He called on President Mahama to take a firm stance against such actions, emphasizing that the former president’s personal conduct does not align with the behavior being exhibited by Jakpa.
“Is President Mahama a coup leader, a military leader? Please. President Mahama’s conduct, the way he handles himself doesn’t look like the way Jakpa is behaving”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
A Call for Intervention
Okoe Boye urged responsible figures within the NDC to intervene before the situation escalates into a national crisis. He pointed out that Ghana has many respectable and reasonable figures within the NDC, whom he believes are capable of speaking sense into those engaging in such aggressive actions because the party is in power.
“There are good men in the NDC, I know. I know a lot of good men. If I don’t know at all, at least I know one of my brothers who is part of the NDC government, who is Dr. Abbey”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
Okoe Boye specifically called on Dr. Randy Abbey and others within his inner circle to caution Jakpa against actions that could destabilize the country.
“Those who are near Jakpa should talk to him. This is how countries get destabilized,” he warned.
The Risk of Retaliation
Highlighting the potential dangers of unchecked aggression, Okoe Boye warned that such actions could provoke retaliatory violence. He painted a scenario where a victim of these raids could resort to self-defense, leading to an escalation of hostilities.
“People can start arming themselves. Imagine if Governor Addison has a son who is also aggressive, who treats them (national security) as bandits or intruders. I mean, we don’t need this”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
Rather than engaging in acts of “political thuggery”, he advised Jakpa to channel his energy into productive efforts, such as fighting crime and economic sabotage.
Focus on Real Threats
Okoe Boye suggested that if Jakpa is truly interested in protecting the state, he should focus his efforts on tackling issues that pose real threats to national security and economic stability.
He pointed to issues such as drug smuggling and tax evasion as areas where his energy would be better utilized.
“If you are national security, let’s see how we can channel our energy into making the Ghanaian better off. There are people who are recently smuggling opioids, and tramadol into our territories, messing up the life of the youth”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
He also highlighted ongoing revenue losses at the country’s ports due to tax evasion and fuel smuggling, suggesting that Jakpa should focus on stopping such illicit activities.
“There are people who are bringing in things and avoiding taxes at the ports. Jakpa should see how he would deploy his strength to stop the hemorrhage. There are people who are smuggling fuel and all that, these are places where we can make savings and save some lives”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
Rejecting Political Machoism
Okoe Boye’s cautions come as a result of a series of National Security raids on former Government officials under investigation by the new government. The most recent raid was on the former Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Ernest Kwamina Yedu Addison, led by Richard Jakpa.
Describing these developments as outdated and dangerous, Okoe Boye emphasized that Ghana should move away from the “politics of intimidation.” He noted that such tactics belong to a bygone era and have no place in a modern democracy.
“This thuggery, machoism, they belong to the medieval era. From 1666 to 1896. I mean, these things playing out; Kalashnikov with soldiers entering the night, does it look honorable? Please, good men should talk”
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Former MP, Ledzokuku Constituency
His final message was a strong call to responsible voices within the NDC and the nation at large to speak out against actions that threaten the peace and stability of the country.
In his view, it is not just the actions of those who perpetrate wrongdoing that matter, but also the silence of those who should stand up for what is right.
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