OccupyGhana, a non-partisan pressure group, has expressed concerns over the methods used by investigative bodies in Ghana, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI). The group argues that prolonged restrictions on liberty and property without criminal charges raise serious concerns in a constitutional democracy. In a statement, OccupyGhana emphasized that the fight against corruption and economic crime must be pursued strictly within the law.
The group cited a recent High Court ruling involving Sesi-Edem Company Limited as an example of excessive use of investigative powers. The High Court ordered the unfreezing of the company's accounts after ruling that EOCO had acted outside its statutory mandate in a matter arising from a contractual dispute. OccupyGhana said this ruling should prompt wider scrutiny of how economic-crime agencies use their powers to restrict the property and liberty of persons under investigation.
OccupyGhana also raised concerns about the ongoing investigation into Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited. About 66 accounts belonging to PDS and individuals associated with the company have been frozen since April 2026. The group claimed that bail for two suspects was increased from GH¢50 million to GH¢100 million each within a week, while no charges had been filed against them five months into the investigation.
The group also questioned the detention of lawyers who accompanied their clients to the BNI. The lawyers' firm, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, alleged that the lawyers were treated as persons of interest, interrogated, and detained. The firm said the lawyers were subsequently granted bail of GH¢50 million each and alleged that their personal and law-firm accounts were frozen. EOCO Executive Director, Raymond Archer, rejected the suggestion that the lawyers were arrested merely because they were representing their clients.
OccupyGhana cited another case involving the arrest of former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, at the Accra International Airport. Mr. Abdul-Wahab's lawyers accused the state and the BNI of violating a High Court order that had permitted their client to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. The Attorney-General's side maintained that Mr. Abdul-Wahab had been arrested over an alleged attempt to use false means to access funds in a frozen bank account.
OccupyGhana stressed that its criticism should not be interpreted as opposition to investigations into corruption or economic crime. The group recalled its successful Supreme Court action that compelled the Auditor-General to disallow and surcharge unlawful expenditure. OccupyGhana said public funds that had been misapplied, misused, or misappropriated must be recovered and those responsible prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation.
The group called for investigations to result in prosecution where evidence supports criminal charges and for restrictions to be lifted where the evidence does not justify their continuation. OccupyGhana said its statement was based principally on court records and information already in the public domain and stressed that it was not a party to any of the matters discussed.
Key points
- OccupyGhana challenges EOCO, BNI to stop turning investigations into punishment.
- The group cites concerns over prolonged restrictions on liberty and property without criminal charges.
- OccupyGhana emphasizes the need for investigations to be conducted within the law.
