General News of Monday, 24 March 2025
Source: www.ghanawebbers.com
**Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo, NPA Boss**
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo is the Acting CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). He expressed his discontent with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Tameklo criticized Afenyo-Markin's comments about a security operation at Dr. Ernest Addison's residence.
Tameklo called Afenyo-Markin’s remarks baseless and defamatory. He cautioned against disrespecting public officers in critical positions.
During a local television interview on Saturday, Tameklo addressed Afenyo-Markin’s comments. The Minority Leader described operatives involved in the operation as "hungry party foot soldiers and thieves."
Tameklo argued that Afenyo-Markin was misusing his parliamentary immunity for unproven allegations. He stated, “Senior (Afenyo-Markin), you hold a very high position as the Minority Leader.”
He added that disrespecting public officers could lead to reciprocal disrespect. Tameklo defended Richard Jakpa, who was central to the operation. He suggested that allegations against Jakpa were attempts to frame him.
“It is easier to frame somebody to hinder his operational capabilities,” he said. Tameklo claimed Afenyo-Markin had no right to complain about National Security operations.
He implied that Afenyo-Markin might have personal issues affecting his credibility.
**Motivation**
Tameklo alleged that Afenyo-Markin's attacks were politically motivated. He believed they aimed to embarrass former President John Dramani Mahama. Tameklo urged caution in Afenyo-Markin’s public statements.
He referenced comments made by Afenyo-Markin regarding the arrest of a former National Communications Authority boss. This individual had been on an EOCO wanted list and was arrested upon returning to Ghana.
“Very soon, the truth will come out,” he stated, questioning if Afenyo-Markin was acting for the state or pursuing a political agenda.
Tameklo challenged claims about GH¢10,000 and jewelry missing from Dr. Addison’s residence during the operation. “You were not there because Dr. Addison did not call you,” he emphasized.
**Transparency**
Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu called for greater transparency regarding missing items from Dr. Addison’s home. He suggested suspects should receive copies of search warrants during operations.
Kpebu also recommended searching officers before and after their duties and video-recording searches to prevent allegations of missing items.
While acknowledging concerns about Dr. Addison's tenure as Bank of Ghana Governor, Kpebu stressed investigations must be fair and just.
Retired security analyst Col. Festus Aboagye questioned Afenyo-Markin’s motives in this situation. He asked why the Minority Leader acted as a legal representative for Dr. Addison.
Col. Aboagye encouraged Dr. Addison to report any missing items directly to police instead of relying on third-party claims.
He criticized prejudicial language used by Afenyo-Markin, asking why he labeled operatives as "hungry."
Col.Aboagye clarified that the security operation was legally sanctioned with a warrant obtained beforehand.
The operation related to a suspected monitoring device allegedly used for spying on the Bank of Ghana.
The debate surrounding this security operation continues to create political tension. While Afenyo-Markin insists it was improper, others argue his comments lack evidence and are politically charged.