Dr. Richard Yeboah Asante, a former Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for what he described as an abuse of authority in the ongoing case involving broadcaster Paul Adom-Otchere.
In a statement titled “Birth of a Beast: The OSP’s Descent Into Arbitrary Power,” Dr. Asante said the OSP’s demand that Mr. Adom-Otchere present landed property solely in his name as a condition for bail is both unfair and legally problematic.
He likened the move to “the birth of a beast,” warning that the Special Prosecutor’s actions threaten civil liberties and due process in Ghana’s justice system.
“Not having property registered in your name does not mean you are not a joint owner,” Dr. Asante said. “Many couples, families, or individuals hold assets jointly or through companies and trusts. That’s part of normal life and estate planning.”
According to him, the insistence on exclusive ownership of property for bail overlooks the realities of property acquisition in Ghana, where co-ownership and informal arrangements are common.
Dr. Asante further questioned the legal basis of the bail condition, noting that Mr. Adom-Otchere has not been convicted of any crime and is only under investigation. He argued that the requirement punishes those whose assets are tied up in joint ownership structures or who may not yet have real estate in their name.
“This approach effectively denies access to bail to individuals who do not meet arbitrary wealth thresholds. It introduces a classist bias into our legal system, implying that only property owners are entitled to fundamental rights,” he stated.
Dr. Asante’s remarks add to the growing national debate on the powers and procedures of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, particularly its role in high-profile anti-corruption investigations.
He called for a more balanced and legally sound approach to justice, urging the OSP to act within the spirit of fairness and constitutional protections.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
