The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga has expressed the Mahama’s administration’s commitment to rule of law.
In a significant parliamentary address, the Majority Leader, provided critical updates on the controversial security operation that saw a joint police and military entry into the private residence of former Finance Minister, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta.
His statement came in response to concerns raised by the Deputy Minority Whip, who sought leave of the Speaker to address what he described as an issue of urgent public importance.
The Minority Caucus, led by Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, in an earlier statement sounded the alarm over what she described as a systematic campaign of political persecution and witch-hunting targeting former government officials and opposition figures.
Addressing the press at Parliament House, Hon. Appiagyei decried a disturbing pattern of intimidation, harassment, and the weaponization of state security agencies to settle political scores.
According to Hon. Ayariga, the security operation in question was led by an operative identified as Richard Jakpa, purportedly working at the office of the National Security Coordinator.
“Following some commentary, I promised this house that I will carry out some investigation to try and appreciate the circumstances surrounding the joint police and military entry into the private residence of the former minister of finance. In making this statement today let me indicate that as a country and as a parliament, we have a constitution to uphold.
“That constitution has embedded in it fundamental human rights, including the right to one’s privacy and the integrity of one’s property. President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to ensuring that the rights and liberties of every individual are respected.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central
Majority Leader Regrets Raid Incident
Following his inquiries, Hon. Ayariga revealed that the operation was not sanctioned at the highest levels of national security and described the incident as “most regrettable and unfortunate.”
He assured Parliament that he had received firm commitments from the Office of the National Security Coordinator, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of Defense that such an event would not recur.
“I have called the relevant stakeholders in the matter to find out exactly what happened. We have received assurances from the Office of the National Security Coordinator that it was not intended that this should happen, and they regret the incident deeply. They have given their word to this House that such occurrences will not happen again”.
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central
Hon. Ayariga further reiterated President Mahama administration’s overarching vision to “reset this country,” emphasizing the need for institutions to function properly and for officials to act strictly within the confines of the law.
“Let me indicate to my colleagues on the other side that this side of the House remains committed to ensuring that this country is reset, that its institutions function properly, that its officials act in accordance with the law, and that the rights and liberties of every citizen are upheld and protected under the regime of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central
In a conciliatory gesture, Hon. Ayariga personally extended an apology to Ken Ofori-Atta, stating that the government recognized the gravity of the situation and was taking steps to prevent future breaches of private rights.
While the assurances from government officials may quell immediate fears, questions linger about the broader implications of unauthorized security operations on the rule of law in Ghana.
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