The Ashanti Regional branch of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has publicly condemned the arrest of its regional chairman by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), describing the process as unlawful and a clear abuse of due process.
Speaking at a press briefing held in Kumasi today, Friday, May 30, the regional executives recounted that on Friday, 23rd May, a group of armed men besieged the chairman’s residence at Atasomanso.
They stated that the chairman, having honoured an invitation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Monday, 26th May, was asked to report again on Tuesday, May 27.
As a law-abiding citizen, he complied. However, after his engagement with the CID at the National Headquarters, he was allegedly ambushed and taken away by EOCO operatives.
“This raises concerns,” said by a regional executive. “What kind of investigation is EOCO undertaking that the CID cannot conduct? The procedure used in the arrest clearly contradicts democratic legal standards.”
The party expressed strong concern over what it described as a misuse of power. They claimed that the lawyers handling the case are often denied access to their client, and are frequently unable to inform family members, friends, and party officials of his whereabouts.
The executives also reported that the individual, who is said not to be in good health, has been denied access to a medical facility of his choice.
“We believe this is not the system of governance Ghanaians chose,” the executives declared. “After a turbulent political history, we agreed to be governed by a democratically elected system that upholds the rule of law and due process.”
Quoting the venerable English judge Lord Hardwicke, the executives stated:
“There cannot be anything of greater consequence than to keep the stream of justice clear and pure, that parties may proceed with safety both to themselves and their character.”
They elaborated that due process of law means following measures authorised by law to keep the stream of justice pure — ensuring trials and inquiries are fairly conducted, arrests and searches are lawfully carried out, remedies are readily available, and delays in justice are eliminated, crediting Lord Denning for that interpretation.
They posed the following questions to EOCO:
- Are we keeping the stream of justice pure and clear?
- Are the inquiries currently being fairly conducted?
- Were the arrest, searches and detention properly carried out?
- Is EOCO prepared to eliminate unnecessary delays in delivering justice?
“Our respectful answer to all the above is ‘No’,” the executives said.
They called upon EOCO to exercise its discretion in a judicious manner and reconsider the current bail conditions, as it lies within their power to do so.
They stressed that fairness and transparency must be evident throughout the process.
Citing Article 14(4) of the 1992 Constitution, they argued that granting reasonable bail is part of ensuring fairness, allowing the accused person liberty to adequately prepare for any legal defence and to seek necessary medical care from trusted professionals.
The Ashanti Regional executives also appealed to government leaders, the clergy, imams, and the Peace Council to impress upon EOCO the importance of following best practices as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution, particularly regarding the protection of individual liberty.
They concluded by expressing their appreciation to national party officers of the NPP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Members of Parliament, Greater Accra Regional Executives, and all party members and supporters who have shown solidarity.
“We, the executives and members of the NPP in the Ashanti Region, believe in the innocence of our chairman concerning the charges and allegations as reported in the media. We request that reasonable bail terms be granted so that he may regain his freedom. Once in court, proper evidence will be examined, and we are confident he will be vindicated. ”They said.
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