The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has strongly condemned the alleged denial of legal access to Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), stating that such actions are unconstitutional and undermine fundamental legal rights.
Citing Article 14(2) of the Constitution, Ahmed Shaib emphasized that every suspect is entitled to legal representation from the moment they are identified as such.
In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, March 25, he criticized any attempts to deny legal counsel access to their clients during questioning, labeling it a grave violation of due process.
“The first thing that happens to a suspect is that they must be informed of their status and their entitlement to a lawyer. That lawyer must be allowed to be present during questioning and other procedures.
“This is a fundamental principle in criminal law. To deny a lawyer access to their client is not just unlawful but a clear departure from constitutional provisions. We are not in a banana republic, for crying out loud,” he pointed out.
His remarks come in response to concerns raised by legal counsel for Adu-Boahene, Samuel Atta Akyea, who claims that he was not allowed proper access to his client and Adu-Boahene’s wife, Angela Boateng, following their arrest.
Read also: Atta Akyea claims he wasn’t allowed to speak with his client, Adu Boahene and his wife
Mr Atta Akyea accused the authorities of obstructing his ability to properly engage with them, suggesting that their legal rights were being violated.
The controversy follows allegations made by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine during a press conference on Monday, March 24. Dr. Ayine accused Adu-Boahene of diverting $7 million from a cyber defence system contract into his personal account.
The former NSB Director-General and his wife remain in detention at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), further intensifying the legal debate surrounding their rights and treatment.
The Weija-Gbawe MP further expressed shock over the development.
He noted that denying the suspect of having a lawyer means that the Attorney General is prejudging the outcome of a bail application.
“Are you the one to grant bail or otherwise. I mean, the laws are clear. It says 48 hours. If the court wants to keep the person over 48 hours, the court will decide. Is the Attorney General the judge?” he quizzed.
