Why is the public discourse surrounding the National Security raid at Dr. Ernest Addison’s residence based on secondhand accounts, and not on a direct statement from the person involved?
Edudzi Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), raised these important questions during his appearance on TV3’s KeyPoints on March 22.
Tameklo questioned why Dr. Addison, the former Bank of Ghana Governor, has yet to speak out about the incident, leaving room for speculation.
“Why has Addison not spoken yet? The person whose house was raided has not spoken, and nobody has heard from them. But we are relying on a version of the story from someone who was not there. Where is the fairness in that?” he asked, pointing to the lack of transparency in the ongoing public discussion.
His comments followed a passionate outcry from Alexander Afenyo-Markin, a Member of Parliament, who condemned the violent nature of the raid. But why was Dr. Addison’s home raided in such an aggressive manner? “Who gave the order for this? Why was Dr. Addison’s home invaded at dawn by armed men? Ghana is a democracy, not a jungle!” Afenyo-Markin demanded to know during a press briefing.
What exactly happened during the raid? Afenyo-Markin revealed that the attackers allegedly seized money, valuables, and even personal items like the governor’s wife’s jewelry, including earrings and necklaces.
But if the security forces were acting within the law, why was the CCTV system in Dr. Addison’s office dismantled? Afenyo-Markin questioned, suggesting a possible cover-up.
Could the arrest of Okete Afria Mensa in a separate incident, followed by his release, have been handled more humanely?
Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the “Rambo-style” nature of law enforcement tactics. “Where is the human face of law enforcement?” he asked, criticizing the violent methods used in the raid.
How does this raid reflect on the political environment in Ghana? Afenyo-Markin reminded the ruling party that power is fleeting. “Today, they have the presidency and control 87 seats.
But have they forgotten how power shifts? We had 169 seats not long ago! The tables can turn!” he warned.
With so many questions still unanswered, will the truth behind the raid and the events surrounding it ever come to light? And will Tameklo’s call for transparency push for clearer answers from the key individuals involved?
