The pressure group OccupyGhana is calling on Parliament to scrutinize the use of investigative powers by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI). Specifically, OccupyGhana wants the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and the Defence and Interior Committee to investigate how the two agencies apply measures such as account freezes, agency-imposed bail, and reporting requirements in ongoing investigations.
OccupyGhana's concerns are partly based on the ongoing investigation involving Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Ltd. About 66 accounts linked to PDS and individuals associated with the company have been frozen since April 2026. Additionally, bail conditions for two PDS officials were increased from GH¢50 million each to GH¢100 million each within a week. The group also noted that the officials and two lawyers connected to the matter have been required to report to EOCO three times a week since May, despite no charges having been filed.
The group argues that the seriousness of allegations under investigation should not justify indefinite restrictions or departures from constitutional safeguards. OccupyGhana is urging investigative agencies to charge suspects where sufficient evidence exists and lift restrictions where the evidence does not support prosecution. The group emphasizes that due process is essential to ensuring that economic-crime investigations and the recovery of public funds remain lawful.
OccupyGhana has also asked the Attorney-General to review the use of freezing orders, bail conditions, and reporting requirements to ensure they comply with constitutional safeguards. The group believes that this review will help prevent the abuse of power by investigative agencies. Furthermore, OccupyGhana's call for parliamentary scrutiny is an attempt to ensure that the powers of EOCO and BNI are exercised in a manner that respects the rights of individuals and organizations.
The use of account freezes, agency-imposed bail, and reporting requirements by EOCO and BNI has raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power. OccupyGhana's concerns are shared by some members of Parliament, who have questioned the detention of individuals by EOCO. For instance, the MP for Abuakwa South, Afenyo-Markin, demanded the release of Baffour Awuah from EOCO's custody, citing alleged political intimidation.
The issue has sparked a wider debate about the need for oversight and accountability in the exercise of investigative powers by agencies such as EOCO and BNI. OccupyGhana's call for parliamentary scrutiny is seen as a step towards ensuring that these agencies operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of individuals and organizations.
The outcome of OccupyGhana's call for parliamentary scrutiny remains to be seen. However, the group's efforts have already drawn attention to the need for greater transparency and accountability in the exercise of investigative powers by EOCO and BNI.
Key points
- OccupyGhana wants Parliament to scrutinize the use of investigative powers by EOCO and BNI.
- The group's concerns are based on the ongoing investigation involving Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Ltd.
- OccupyGhana has asked the Attorney-General to review the use of freezing orders, bail conditions, and reporting requirements.
