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OccupyGhana has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) to cease using punitive methods during their investigations. The pressure group argued that state agencies must uphold due process and avoid practices that effectively punish individuals before they are formally charged or tried in a court of law. By highlighting these concerns, the group seeks to ensure that investigative bodies operate within the bounds of constitutional safeguards.
The group specifically highlighted the ongoing investigation into the Power Distribution Services (PDS) scandal as a primary example of procedural overreach. According to OccupyGhana, officials involved in the PDS case have faced prolonged restrictions, including the freezing of personal bank accounts and the imposition of high bail amounts. They pointed out that these measures have persisted for months without any formal charges being filed against the affected individuals, which they contend undermines the fundamental legal principle of being innocent until proven guilty.
OccupyGhana emphasized that while the fight against corruption is vital for the nation, it must not come at the expense of established legal rights. They argued that serious allegations do not justify extended administrative restrictions and called for reforms to ensure that bail conditions are determined reasonably by the judiciary rather than investigative bodies. The group stressed the need for a balance where the state's power to investigate is strictly checked by the rights of the citizen.
This demand comes amid broader public discussions regarding the conduct of state investigative agencies and the transparency of high-profile corruption probes. OccupyGhana’s intervention seeks to ensure that legal procedures remain fair and that investigative tools are not weaponized as a form of pre-emptive punishment. The group maintains that adhering to the rule of law is essential for the integrity of Ghana's democratic institutions and the long-term legitimacy of its anti-corruption efforts.