Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta says the raid on his property in February has not only portrayed him as a criminal but also exposed him to public ridicule, resentment, and scorn.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, a group of individuals, including some in military and police uniforms, allegedly raided his residence in Cantonments. At the time of the incident, Ofori-Atta was reportedly out of the country.
Eyewitness accounts and security footage indicated that about 12 individuals were involved in the operation. Among them, five were dressed in military uniforms, one in a police uniform, and the rest in plain clothes. The motive behind the raid remains unclear, and it is yet to be determined whether any items were taken.
Initial speculation suggested that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was responsible for the operation. However, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, categorically denied any involvement, stating that the OSP had not authorized or conducted the raid.
But Ofori-Atta in a writ of summons sighted by Channel One News on Wednesday March 12 noted that the incident has negatively impacted his hard-earned reputation in the international community.
The lawsuit, filed in the High Court of Justice in Accra, names DSP Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, also known as Sir Mensah, as defendants.
Ofori-Atta, who is currently receiving medical treatment outside the country, states that his property was under the care of his domestic staff at the time of the raid on February 11, 2025.
According to the writ of summons, a team of individuals, including the two defendants and 12 others, entered the property without prior notice or consent and conducted an extensive search. The raiding team, according to the writ consisted of nine military personnel armed with assault rifles and other menacing-looking individuals in plain clothes, some carrying side arms. The team did not produce any form of warrant or indicate the basis for the search.
The writ further states that the domestic staff were instructed to refrain from using their mobile phones throughout the unauthorised operation, which covered all areas of the property, including bedrooms, living areas, the kitchen, and other private spaces. A member of the raiding team filmed the entire property using his cell phone, further exacerbating the invasion of privacy.
As a result of the raid, Ofori-Atta contends that his domestic staff have been left traumatised, experiencing severe shock and distress. The former minister claims that the actions of the defendants and their team were trespassory and violated his property and privacy rights.
The writ said that Ofori-Atta has sought confirmation from the National Intelligence Bureau, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police regarding the legitimacy and purpose of the raid, but no response has been received. He alleges that the raid has caused him great anxiety and distress, resulting in significant loss and damage.
The former minister is seeking damages for the loss he has incurred and requests that the court restrain the defendants from further interference with his property and privacy rights. He also demands that the defendants be compelled to compensate him for their unlawful acts.
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