The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Dr. Edudzi Tameklo, has sharply criticized Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for his comments on National Security operatives. Mr. Tameklo accused Afenyo-Markin of abusing his parliamentary immunity to make defamatory statements.
At the center of the controversy is an incident where National Security operatives raided the home of Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana. Afenyo-Markin alleged that the operatives stole GHC10,000 and jewelry belonging to Dr. Addison’s wife.
Tameklo took issue with Afenyo-Markin’s characterization of the National Security personnel as “hungry NDC foot soldiers.” He questioned the Minority Leader’s motives, suggesting that his comments were politically driven.
“Afenyo-Markin, who for eight years worked with them at National Security, today has the courage to call people hungry NDC party foot soldiers?” Tameklo asked on the matter. “Where is the consistency in that?”
Tameklo emphasized the need for balanced and fact-based discussions regarding National Security operations. He urged politicians and the media to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that could harm individuals’ reputations and national institutions.
“He enjoys immunity for defamatory actions, which means he cannot be sued for what he says on the floor of Parliament. And because of that, he cleverly abuses that privilege,” Tameklo pointed out.
Tameklo stressed that putting out information based on hearsay undermines democratic discourse, allowing individuals in positions of power to make potentially damaging statements without consequence.
“The National Security apparatus is a critical institution, and it should not be used as a tool for political propaganda,” Tameklo emphasized. “Let us deal with facts, not emotions.”