In a startling development, Richard Jakpa, the newly appointed Director for Special Operations at the National Security Council Secretariat, led a team of about 20 armed operatives in a raid on the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The heavily armed operatives, dressed in balaclavas and face masks, stormed the premises in what eyewitnesses described as an aggressive and intimidating operation.
The manner of the raid has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the legality and motive behind the exercise.
CCTV disconnected, personal belongings seized
Upon entry, Jakpa reportedly disconnected all CCTV cameras on the premises, seemingly to prevent any evidence of the operation from being recorded.
In a shocking turn of events, he allegedly demanded to know the location of a vault filled with money—an accusation that Dr. Addison firmly denied.
Despite presenting a High Court search warrant, there was no clear justification for the raid.
Operatives ransacked the entire residence, rummaging through personal belongings before seizing electronic gadgets and other valuables.
The aggressive nature of the operation has raised suspicions that it was more about intimidation than law enforcement.
Pattern of controversial operations
This is not the first time Jakpa has been involved in a high-profile raid.
He previously led an illegal operation at the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, a move that was widely condemned and has since led to legal action against the state security apparatus.
The latest raid on Dr. Addison’s residence has intensified concerns over the growing use of state security agencies as tools for political persecution.
Analysts and civil society groups argue that such actions undermine democracy and erode the fundamental principles of justice.
Fears of increasing political intimidation
Critics have labeled the raid a dangerous display of authoritarian tactics, warning that such unchecked use of state power threatens Ghana’s democratic stability.
“This reckless weaponization of national security for political ends is indefensible,” said a security analyst. “It suggests that state power is being used to silence critics by any means necessary.”
Concerns are mounting that such operations may set a precedent where security agencies act with impunity, targeting political opponents and dissenting voices.
Many fear that democracy itself is at risk if law enforcement becomes a tool for settling political scores.
Calls for accountability and justice
The controversial raid has triggered public outrage, with calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of the operatives involved.
Many are demanding accountability from the government and state security agencies to ensure that due process is followed in all security-related matters.
Democracy thrives on the rule of law and due process, and the growing trend of arbitrary security actions could have long-term consequences for governance in Ghana.
Civil society organizations, political groups, and ordinary citizens are urging swift action to prevent what they see as a dangerous descent into authoritarianism.
The government has yet to officially respond to the allegations surrounding the raid, but pressure continues to mount for assurances that such incidents will not become a norm in Ghana’s security operations.
