On March 19, 2025, Richard Jakpa, the newly appointed Director of Special Operations for the National Security Council Secretariat, led an aggressive and highly controversial raid at the home of Dr. Ernest Addison, the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
The operation, which involved about 20 armed men, has sparked a wave of criticism and concern.
The operatives, dressed in balaclavas and face masks, entered the residence in what appeared to be a military-style operation, rather than a legitimate law enforcement effort.
Once inside, Jakpa took immediate action to disable all CCTV cameras, suggesting a desire to prevent any documentation of the raid. He then reportedly demanded to know the location of a vault containing money—an accusation Dr. Addison vehemently denied.
Despite presenting a High Court search warrant, the raid seemed unjustified, as no clear reason was provided for the extensive search.
The operatives rummaged through the home, seizing electronic devices and other valuables, further fuelling suspicions that this operation was less about law enforcement and more about intimidation.
This is not the first time Jakpa has been involved in such a controversial operation. He was also at the center of an unauthorized raid on the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, which has led to legal proceedings against the security services involved.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the increasing abuse of state power, with many fearing that security agencies are being weaponized for political persecution.
Critics argue that the operation was more about silencing political opponents than enforcing the law, a troubling sign of authoritarian overreach.
This raid signals a dangerous trend: the potential erosion of democratic principles in Ghana. If the government allows national security forces to act without accountability, it could set a precedent where opposition figures are intimidated or persecuted with impunity.
The attack on Dr. Addison’s home is just one example of how the misuse of power can undermine the integrity of the nation’s legal and political systems.