Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has justified the heavily armed security operation carried out at the home of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, by comparing the approach to pursuing a wild dog.
A joint team of National Investigations Bureau (NIB) agents and police officers, armed with a search warrant, raided Wontumi’s home early on Friday morning. While the facts of the warrant have not been made public, Mr. Terlabi stated that the operation was based on intelligence.
The raid resulted in a heated confrontation as NPP supporters gathered to prevent any arrests, raising complaints about the use of excessive force.
Opposition officials have likened this episode to prior searches on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison, portraying the activities as part of a larger pattern of intimidation against opposition members.
However, Deputy Minister Terlabi disputed these criticisms, saying, “You don’t go to catch a wild dog without being properly armed.”
He informed them that security standards were strictly followed and that the officers were ready for any potential opposition.
Terlabi told Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show hours after the operation that the security services are well-trained and aware of their obligations. “Nobody in this country is above the law.”
Addressing worries about the ‘Rambo-style’ aspect of the raid, he stated, “If security officers go unprepared, they will face criticism. However, given Wontumi’s pronouncements, including challenges to security officials and the incumbent President, the officers needed to be properly prepared. That doesn’t imply they planned to harm him.”
He continued: “If Wontumi is a subject of investigation and they need him, no one can stop them from bringing him in for questioning.”
Terlabi said he had not yet received all of the specifics about the operation, but he confirmed that it was intelligence-led. “They did not go there to harm him; rather, they invited him. “If it was decided to bring him in on Monday, so be it.”
He warned against attempting to obstruct security officials performing their authorised jobs, advising opponents to seek justice through the courts instead.
“Those calling on party supporters to assemble in large numbers where security officers are working legally should desist,” according to him.
“Let the security agencies handle their responsibilities. If somebody believes something has gone wrong, the appropriate place to address it is in court. Not long ago, the opposition encouraged us to take matters to court; they should continue to do so if they believe the security services have erred.”
He reaffirmed that the courts are the proper forum for any disputes, and that such acts should not interfere with security operations.
