Deputy Inside Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi has justified the closely armed safety operation performed on the residence of New Patriotic Social gathering (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly referred to as Chairman Wontumi, likening the method to how one would pursue a wild canine.
Within the early hours of Friday, a joint workforce of Nationwide Investigations Bureau (NIB) brokers and law enforcement officials, armed with a search warrant, carried out a raid on Wontumi’s residence. Whereas particulars of the warrant haven’t been publicly disclosed, Mr. Terlabi defined that the operation was based mostly on intelligence.
The raid led to a tense standoff as supporters of the NPP gathered to stop any arrest makes an attempt, sparking considerations about using extreme power.
Opposition figures have in contrast this incident to latest raids on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Financial institution of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison, describing the actions as a part of a sample of intimidation in opposition to opposition members.
Deputy Minister Terlabi, nonetheless, dismissed these criticisms, stating, “You don’t go to catch a wild canine with out being correctly armed.”
He assured that safety protocols have been strictly adopted and that the officers have been ready for any attainable resistance.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen present hours after the operation, Terlabi mentioned, “The safety companies are well-trained and know their tasks. Nobody on this nation is above the legislation.”
Addressing considerations in regards to the ‘Rambo-style’ nature of the raid, he defined, “If safety personnel go unprepared, then they might face criticism. However contemplating among the statements made by Wontumi — together with challenges directed at safety officers and the sitting President — it was needed for the officers to be totally ready. That doesn’t imply they meant to hurt him.”
He additional famous, “If Wontumi is a topic of investigation they usually want him, nobody can cease them from bringing him in for questioning.”
Relating to the operation, Terlabi mentioned he was but to obtain all particulars however reaffirmed that it was intelligence-led. “They didn’t go there to hurt him however to ask him. If the choice was made to deliver him in on Monday, then so be it.”
He warned in opposition to makes an attempt to hinder safety officers finishing up their lawful duties, urging critics to hunt justice by the courts as an alternative.
“These calling on occasion supporters to assemble in massive numbers the place safety officers are working legally ought to desist,” he cautioned.
“Let the safety companies do their jobs. If anybody believes one thing unsuitable has occurred, the right place to handle it’s in court docket. Not way back, the opposition was encouraging us to take issues to court docket — they need to proceed to take action in the event that they really feel the safety companies have erred.”
He reiterated that the courts stay the suitable discussion board for any grievances and harassed that such actions shouldn’t intervene with safety operations.
