Investigation Must Not Become Punishment – OccupyGhana Cautions EOCO, BNI

Pressure group, OccupyGhana, has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to uphold due process in their operations, warning that investigative powers should not be used as a tool for punishment.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the group said practices such as freezing of accounts, imposition of excessive bail conditions, travel bans and prolonged reporting orders on persons yet to be charged raise serious constitutional concerns.

According to OccupyGhana, while the fight against corruption and economic crime is crucial, it must be carried out strictly within the law.

"Investigation must not become punishment," the group stressed.

The group cited three cases to back its concerns. These include the freezing of accounts of Sesi-Edem Company Limited over what it described as a contractual dispute, the arrest of former Chief Executive of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, after a court had granted him permission to travel for medical treatment, and the case involving Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited.

On the PDS matter, OccupyGhana alleged that about 66 accounts belonging to the company and persons linked to it have been frozen since April 2026, without any charges filed. It said bail for two officials of the company was also increased from GH¢50 million to GH¢100 million each within a week.

The group further expressed concern over the reported detention of two lawyers who accompanied the PDS officials to the BNI, and claims that their personal and law firm accounts were subsequently frozen.

It added that the PDS officials and the lawyers have since May been made to report to EOCO three times a week, yet no charges have been brought against them.

OccupyGhana said while the allegations under investigation are serious, the gravity of an allegation alone cannot justify indefinite restrictions and breach of constitutional safeguards.

It called on EOCO and the BNI to either charge suspects where there is sufficient evidence or lift restrictions where there is none, and to ensure that bail terms are reasonable and that persons in custody are taken to court within the constitutionally required time.

The group also urged the Attorney-General to review the use of freezing orders and agency-imposed bail and reporting conditions, and called on Parliament's Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and the Defence and Interior Committee to exercise oversight over the activities of EOCO and the BNI.