Mercy360 Blog of Friday, 3 January 2025
Source: Mercy Mensah
On January 2, 2024, a violent intrusion occurred at the official residence of President Akufo-Addo's secretary, Nana Asante Bediatuo, in Roman Ridge. The attack, purportedly carried out by a squad of political party thugs affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is thought to be related to a dispute over unpaid security services supplied during the 2024 elections.
According to reports, a group of about 20 men forced their way into the property after being turned away twice before, on December 27 and 30, when they attempted to meet Nana Asante Bediatuo. They were notified twice that Bediatuo was unavailable and out of the country.
When the group learned of his absence, they overpowered the security officers stationed at the mansion, gaining entry to the property. According to reports, the assailants requested remuneration for the security services they provided before to, during, and after the election.
While the immediate cause of the break-in appears to be a money dispute, some commentators speculate that the incident could also be tied to increased political tensions following the December 2024 elections. Tensions between political factions have remained high in the aftermath, with some suspecting that the attack was motivated by unsolved grudges from the election season.
Authorities were dispatched to the site quickly, and law officials came to restore order and protect the area. The authorities are currently investigating the event, attempting to identify the offenders and discover whether the attack was financially or politically motivated.
Nana Asante Bediatuo, a lawyer, was apparently out of the country at the time of the attack and is now receiving medical care abroad.
The raid on Nana Asante Bediatuo's home has sparked concerns about political violence and its consequences for Ghana's political stability in the post-election era. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities plan to provide additional updates as the situation develops.