Ex-NSB Boss receiving fair treatment in custody -Deputy A-G
In the face of mounting public interest following the arrest of Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), the Deputy Attorney-General (A-G), Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has issued a reminder of the core tenet of justice: individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
Boahene was apprehended at Kotoka International Airport on Thursday morning upon his return from London on a British Airways flight. His arrest, part of a coordinated operation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), has raised significant attention. The operation, which took place at around 8:30 a.m., involved a team of EOCO investigators, led by Deputy Director Raymond Archer, and officials from the Attorney-General’s Department.
The arrest of a high-profile figure like Boahene has generated widespread media coverage and public speculation. However, Dr. Srem-Sai has taken to social media to remind the public of the vital importance of the rule of law. In a Facebook post published on Friday, March 21, the Deputy Attorney-General expressed concern over the rush to judgment and reiterated that it is crucial to maintain the presumption of innocence.
“No one, regardless of the nature of the suspicion or accusations, should be treated as guilty until they’re actually proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Dr. Srem-Sai wrote. His statement underscored the fundamental principle of justice: that a fair trial and due process should be upheld, especially when it comes to serious criminal allegations.
Dr. Srem-Sai also shared details of his personal visit to Boahene and his wife, Madam Angela Adjei-Boateng, both of whom are currently assisting with the investigation and are in custody. Despite the gravity of the situation, Dr. Srem-Sai assured the public that both individuals were being treated well and had access to legal counsel, which is essential for safeguarding their rights during the investigation process.
This commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent legal process is particularly timely given the ongoing scrutiny of corruption and organized crime within various sectors of public life. The arrest of Boahene, a former top government official, has placed a spotlight on the role of the justice system in handling high-profile cases. In his remarks, Dr. Sai emphasized that investigations must proceed in accordance with the law and without the influence of external pressures or media trial.
“We must be cautious not to prejudge the situation or demonize individuals based on accusations alone,” he stated. “The rule of law requires that everyone be given a fair opportunity to present their case before a court.”
The Deputy Attorney-General’s statement is a timely reminder that the legal system’s credibility hinges on its ability to protect individuals’ rights while pursuing justice. While the public is naturally eager for answers, Dr. Sai’s words stress that fairness and due process must not be sacrificed for expediency or sensationalism.
As the investigation into Boahene’s actions continues, his case serves as an important reminder of the delicate balance between ensuring justice and protecting the rights of the accused. For Dr. Sai, this balance is not just a legal formality but a cornerstone of the democratic system that ensures every individual, regardless of their stature or position, is treated fairly under the law.