Ayine: Search at Fmr BoG governor’s residence was not a raid, calls GHC 10,000 theft claim an insult

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has defended the legality of the recent search conducted at the residence of the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison refuting claims that it was a raid.

Addressing the media, Dr. Ayine disclosed that in 2017, a similar operation was carried out at his own residence when he was a former government appointee, yet he did not characterize it as a raid.

“In July 2017, policemen came to my house with guns. They showed me a warrant and informed me that they were conducting investigations into a transaction I had given a legal opinion on,” he recounted.

Drawing parallels between his personal experience and the ongoing case, he questioned why some individuals now claim a lawful search to be a raid. “I was the one who applied for the warrant, and it was issued by the High Court. Why is this now being called a raid? Are some people above the law?” he asked.

Search Was Lawful and Constitutionally Sanctioned

Dr. Ayine emphasized that the search at the Governor’s residence was conducted based on credible intelligence and within the bounds of the law.

He reiterated that no one is above constitutional scrutiny. “Under Article 18 of the Constitution, there are limits to what one can claim in terms of privacy. We obtained lawful warrants, and if the media wants, I can make those warrants available,” he stated.

He strongly dismissed allegations that security operatives stole GHS 10,000 during the operation, calling the accusation an insult. “This was a constitutionally sanctioned search, not a raid.

It is unfortunate that instead of respecting the process, some individuals are choosing to malign law enforcement officers and myself,” he said.

Warning Against Misuse of Parliamentary Immunity

Dr. Ayine cautioned against the misuse of parliamentary immunity to defame public officials conducting legitimate duties. He insisted that his office, as well as investigative agencies such as EOCO and National Security, have been advised to remain within the legal framework while executing their duties.

“As the leader of the Bar, I will always act in the best interest of legal ethics. I have ensured that all agencies involved in this matter operate within the law. No one should abuse parliamentary immunity by making defamatory statements against public officials,” he warned.

Listen to Dr Dominic Ayine in the attached audio clip below:S

ource: Gh Extractives