The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) has denied embarking on any raid at the residence of Capt (Rtd) Edmund Koda, the head of security of Nana Akufo-Addo, according to Communications Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah.

Dr. Boamah said reports of raids at Koda’s house and the Danquah Institute are false and pranks aimed at “creating artificial tension in the country.”

Personnel of the state security outfit allegedly ransacked the house of the retired army officer and the offices of the Danquah Institute – a pro-NPP think tank - Thursday following the arrest of three South African ex-police men who were training security detail of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Central region.

The development has led to heightened tension at the residence of the party’s flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo after news broke Friday afternoon that personnel of the crack investigative body are likely to search his Nima residence.

Scores of party supporters have gathered at the residence to counter any move by the state security.

In a brief statement, however, Dr Boamah said certain individuals within the NPP have resorted to “pranks” to “generate artificial tension in the country.”

“I have contacted the BNI about a so called intended raid on the Nima offices of Mr. Akufo Addo. BNI categorically denies any such intentions and urges the general public to ignore the pranks being played,” Dr. Boamah stressed.

The three South Africans - Major Ahmed Shaik Hazis (rtd), 54; Warrant Officer Denver Dwayhe, 33, and Captain Mlungiseli Jokani, 45 - have pleaded not guilty after being charged with unlawful training and false declaration on Thursday.

They were granted bail to the tune of Gh¢20, 000 with two sureties.

The three were arrested for training private security personnel of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo and his running mate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.