Is NDC Showing Dr Ernest Addison “Where Power Lies”?

Kofi Ata
It was reported on Thursday that 20 strong armed men from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) led by Richard Jakpa, Director of Special Operations had stormed the residence of the former Governor of Bank of Ghana (BoG) at Roman Ridge looking for alleged vaults in his home (see, “Richard Jakpa leads 20 armed men to raid the house of former BoG governor Ernest Addison”, Ghanaweb, 20 March 2025). Dr Ernest Addison recently resigned as BoG on 3 February 2025 to start his terminal leave ahead of his retirement from the Bank (see “Bank of Ghana Governor Takes Terminal Leave”, BoG website, 31 January 2025).

This short article is a discussion on the Rambo style invasion of homes of senior public officers of the Nana Akufo-Addo government. The same Jakpa led the raid on the home of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofri-Atta (see “Richard Jakpa led raid on Ken Ofori-Atta's residence – Majority Leader confirms”, Ghanaweb, 13 February 2025).

According to the Ghana Armed Forces, Richard Jakpa was a Lieutenant in the Army and was dishonourably discharged for indiscipline (see, “Meet Richard Jakpa, the dishonourably discharged soldier who has become the face of National Security”, Ghanaweb, 20 March 2025). He was being tried for causing financial loss to the state in the ambulance case with the now Finance Minister, Dr Casie Ato Forson by the previous Akufo-Addo government. During his trial, Jakpa claimed that the then Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame wanted his assistance to jail Ato Forson in a plea bargain meeting that took place at the residence of a Supreme Court Justice who is a relative of Jakpa (see “AG asked for my help to jail Ato Forson and vacate his parliamentary seat – Jakpa”, Ghanaweb, 13 June 2024). Richard Jakpa was given reprieve by the new Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine by discontinuing the criminal charges against both Dr Ato Forson and Jakpa (see, “Attorney-General defends decision to discontinue Ato Forson’s trial”, Ghanaweb 13 February 2025).

The question is, why is Richard Jakpa the public face of BNI spewing impunity in Ghana? According to sources close to the NDC, Jakpa was one of the leading security figures in NDC that prevented any potential breaches of the electoral processes during the December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections and therefore, his current position could be pay back for the role he played in securing victory for the NDC. But is he the right person to be playing the public role?

In my view, it’s a fact that Jakpa has an axe to grind with the Nana Akufo-Addo government for his prosecution and attempt to jail him so he cannot be an impartial investigator. That could also explain the impunity with which he is carrying out these operations. It is disturbing that President Mahama is allowing such impunity to occur under his three months old government.

Another question regarding the raid on Dr Addison’s residence is, whether the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a party is behind it in a show of where power lies and that could also explains the audacity of the operation? Remember the disagreement between NDC and the governor in October 2023 when the then opposition party organised #Occupy BoG Protest calling for the resignation of the governor, who refused to meet them to accept their petition? (see “#OccupyBoGProtest: Hypocrisy of this government exposed – Asiedu Nketiah”, Ghanaweb, 3 October 2023. It was even alleged that the governor referred to the then minority MPs as hooligans, but he denied that (see, “I never referred to Minority MPs as 'hooligans' - BoG Governor”, Ghanweb 9 April 2024). Therefore, could Jakpa’s impunity at the former governor’s residence have the backing of the party?

These developments should be worrying to both President Mahama and the NDC because Ghanaians did not vote out a government of impunity and abuse of power only to replace it with another. President Mahama should be very concerned because the goodwill Ghanaians have for him could dissipate in days if this arrogance of impunity continues. He should therefore as a matter of urgency reign in Richard Jakpa and take him off the public face of BNI. Such armed raids should not be encouraged under a democratic government. Jakpa should use his expertise in-house to stop him from displaying his “where power lies” mentality through impunity and abuse of power.

Of course, Ghanaians want the government to hold corrupt officials accountable but that must be done within the confines of rule of law and respect for human rights but not total disregard for rule of law. Otherwise, BNI could end up with civil suits instead of carrying out their duties. Again, why is national security involved in raiding citizens’ homes when it should be addressing matters of national security? Do Ken Ofori-Attah and Dr Ernest Addison pose any threat to the security of Ghana and if not, why is BNI raiding their homes?

It's also worrying that when BNI raid homes the officers do not take inventory of what they take out of the house in the presence of the residents, record them and give receipts to the residents. Now, Dr Ernest Addison is alleging that some money and jewellery were stolen by BNI. How will BNI defend itself?

The impunity and abuse of power by Richard Jakpa MUST end, President Mahama consider your rest agenda dead on arrival if this impunity continues unabated.

Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK