Former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has filed a suit at the High Court against some National Security operatives for illegally invading his residence without a search warrant and violating his right to privacy
The writ issued by the High Court brings the suit against two senior police officers, DSP Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, over alleged invasion of his private residence and violating his right to privacy.
The statement of claim indicated that, Ken Ofori-Atta was out of the country for medical treatment at the time of the incident.
His domestic staff reported that a team of 12 individuals, including the two defendants, nine military personnel armed with assault rifles, and several plainclothes officers, entered the property without prior notice or consent.
The team conducted an extensive search of the premises, including private spaces such as bedrooms, the kitchen, and closets, without presenting a warrant or explaining the purpose of the search.
The plaintiff alleges that the raid was not only trespassory but also invasive of his privacy rights adding that a member of the raiding team reportedly filmed the entire operation using a cell phone, further exacerbating the breach of privacy.
The suit indicated that the raiding team “did not produce any form of warrant nor indicate to the Plaintiff’s domestic staff the basis for the search but warned the domestic staff to desist from using their mobile phones throughout the entire period of the unauthorized operation.”
Mr Ofori-Atta’s domestic staff were reportedly traumatized by the incident, suffering from severe shock and anxiety.
Mr Ofori-Atta further claims that the raid has caused damage to his reputation both domestically and internationally.
“Plaintiff says further that the raid on the property which gained notoriety both domestically and internationally has not only exposed him to public ridicule, resentment and scorn but also portrayed him as a criminal and this has negatively impacted his hard earned reputation in the international community,” parts of the document read.
He argued that the incident has portrayed him as a criminal, leading to public ridicule and scorn.
Despite efforts to seek clarification from the National Intelligence Bureau, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police, no response has been provided regarding the legality or purpose of the raid.
In his lawsuit, Ken Ofori-Atta is seeking several remedies, including a declaration that the defendants’ actions were unlawful, damages for trespass and breach of privacy, and a perpetual injunction to prevent further interference with his property and privacy rights. He is also seeking aggravated damages and costs.
The defendants, DSP Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, have been commanded to enter an appearance within eight days of being served with the writ.
