Lawyer for Kwabena Adu-Boahen, Samuel Attah AKyea, has raised concerns over the treatment of his client by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), alleging violations of due process and constitutional rights.
Speaking on ABC News GH, Attah Akyea revealed that EOCO is demanding a bail of GHS 120 million for Adu-Boahen and GHS 80 million for his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng.
Attah Akyea questioned the legal basis of EOCO’s actions, stating, “My clients are not accused persons; they are suspects because they have not even taken their statements.” He added that Adu Boahen has been incarcerated in EOCO cells since Thursday, and his wife, who visited him, was immediately arrested and is also being held.
“EOCO and the Attorney General have violated the 48-hour rule. We will challenge it,” he stated.
Attah Akyea further expressed concerns over the lack of access to his client, alleging that EOCO has restricted legal counsel from holding confidential discussions with Adu Boahen. “How can he talk of plea bargaining when he has not even listened to our client? And he will not even give lawyers the space to share confidential engagement with them so they will be able to know their legal rights. Is that what we call the reset rule of law that we are practicing? It’s unfortunate.”
AG’s Remarks on Adu-Boahen ‘Unfair and Prejudicial’ – Lawyers
Meanwhile, lawyers representing Adu-Boahen and his wife have accused Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine of prejudicial conduct, arguing that his public statements have compromised the legal process. Their concerns stem from a March 24 press conference where Dr. Ayine linked Adu-Boahen’s arrest to an alleged $7 million fraud involving a cybersecurity contract.
In response, the law firm Zoe, Akyea & Co. condemned Dr. Ayine’s remarks as a “prejudicial press engagement,” arguing that the Attorney General’s statements amounted to a public conviction while EOCO’s investigations were still ongoing.
“The power to investigate any Ghanaian for alleged criminal offenses has no party colours. It is a painstaking exercise to ensure that the rule of law is observed and that persons with material stakes are not unfairly targeted by those who wield the powers of the State,” the statement read. The legal team insisted that all professional investigations must be free from propaganda, emphasizing that suspects must be formally charged before being subjected to public scrutiny.
