Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Lawyer Kwaku Ansah Asare, has strongly criticized the Attorney General (AG) for handling high-profile corruption cases through the media. According to him, the AG’s approach undermines due process and constitutional protocols.
Speaking on Prime News on ABC News GH, Ansah Asare expressed discontent with the AG’s public commentary on the prosecution of former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and other cases. He argued that such matters should be handled in court, not in the media.
“I did not like the way the AG handled the issue by going to the media. He should follow prescribed legal procedures as outlined in the constitution,” he asserted.
He also took aim at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), calling for the removal of Kissi Agyebeng over his failure to secure any significant corruption convictions. “The Special Prosecutor must go. He has outlived his stay and has caused financial loss to the state,” Ansah Asare declared.
On governance, he praised former President John Mahama’s leadership, claiming that “Mahama has done far better than Akufo-Addo, even in his few months in office.” He further referenced the dismissal of former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei, saying, “This one and Charlotte Osei will forever remain in our history.”
Background
The criticism comes in the wake of the legal battle involving Kwabena Adu-Boahene, who was arrested over allegations of embezzling state funds meant for a $7 million cyber defense system. An Accra Human Rights Court recently reduced his bail from GH¢120 million to GH¢80 million, with two sureties, one to be justified. His wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, also had her GH¢80 million bail upheld but with relaxed surety conditions.
Both are required to report to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) three times a week and are barred from traveling without EOCO’s permission. Their lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, argued that the original bail conditions were excessive and designed to keep them in detention.
Despite the accusations, Adu-Boahene maintains his innocence, stating, “Definitely,” when asked if he believed he would be cleared of all charges.
Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Lawyer Kwaku Ansah Asare, has strongly criticized the Attorney General’s approach to handling high-profile corruption cases, arguing that taking legal matters to the media undermines due process.
Speaking on recent developments, Ansah Asare condemned the AG’s decision to publicly discuss ongoing cases, including that of former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene. He insisted that such matters should be addressed strictly through constitutional channels rather than through media briefings.
“I did not like the way the AG handled the issue by going to the media,” he stated, referencing Adu-Boahene’s case. “The Attorney General should follow the prescribed legal forms and operate in accordance with the constitution.”
On the broader issue of accountability, Ansah Asare turned his attention to Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, calling for his immediate removal. According to him, Agyebeng has failed to secure a single corruption conviction, making his continued stay in office unjustifiable.
“The Special Prosecutor must be removed. In fact, he has outlived his stay and should go. When the monies were being stolen, where was he? His office has caused financial loss to the state with no meaningful results,” he remarked.
Background
The debate over the AG’s handling of corruption cases comes amid a legal battle involving Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, who have been accused of embezzling state funds. Their bail conditions were recently reviewed by an Accra Human Rights Court, reducing Adu-Boahene’s bail from GH¢120 million to GH¢80 million, while his wife’s GH¢80 million bail remained unchanged. Both are required to report to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) three times a week and are prohibited from traveling without permission.
Despite the allegations, Adu-Boahene maintains his innocence. Following his court appearance, he was escorted out in handcuffs but defiantly told reporters, “Definitely, I will come out innocent.”
The ongoing controversies surrounding both the AG’s legal approach and the Special Prosecutor’s performance continue to fuel political and legal debates, with critics demanding reforms in the fight against corruption.
