NPP should avoid lawlessness and use the court

Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, an Associate Professor at the Law Faculty of University of Ghana, said in a television discussion programme on Channel  One TV on Saturday, (May 31, 2025) said the NPP’s decision to march from Parliament to the EOCO headquarters amounted to an overreach that encouraged avoidable lawlessness.

“The NPP’s actions, leaving Parliament to stage a protest at the police premises, were unnecessary and created drama. This led to lawlessness,” Prof Appiagyei-Atua stated during the the television discussion programme.

He explained that while bail is a constitutional right, the EOCO acted within the law by imposing the GH¢50 million bail condition on Mr Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The party chairman has been arrested over alleged money laundering, fraud and causing financial loss to the state.

“Given the nature of the allegations, the GH¢50 million bail condition does not strike me as excessive. Legally, EOCO acted within their authority,” Prof Appiagyei-Atua said.

He noted that there are clear legal avenues available to anyone who considers bail conditions to be too harsh.

“If the bail terms are thought to be too stringent, the proper legal step is to apply to the High Court for a variation. That’s the course Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s lawyers should have taken,” he said.

Prof Appiagyei-Atua added that it was particularly concerning because many of the NPP Members of Parliament who took part in the protest are themselves lawyers.

“The MPs, many of whom are lawyers, are familiar with legal procedures and have followed them before. Opting for this extralegal approach suggests an intention to politicise the matter,” he remarked.

Although he condemned what he termed a “Rambo-style” arrest of the party chairman, Prof Appiagyei-Atua maintained that the subsequent bail process was consistent with the law.

He said that bail conditions are generally determined by assessing several factors, such as the risk of flight, likelihood of reoffending, potential interference with investigations, and the seriousness of the alleged offence.

He suggested that the NPP’s response reflected their adjustment difficulties following their transition from government to opposition.

“It appears the NPP is still grappling with the reality of being out of power. They seem intent on showing their supporters that they stand by their own, especially a prominent figure like Mr Antwi-Boasiako,” Prof Appiagyei-Atua observed.

He urged political actors to adopt more measured responses that blend legal processes with political engagement, without losing control of the situation.

“They should have pursued legal and political strategies in balance, rather than letting things spiral,” he advised.

The controversy followed the arrest of Mr Antwi-Boasiako over alleged involvement in money laundering.

Prof Appiagyei-Atua also stressed on the principle of equality before the law in Ghana’s democratic system.

“The law is no respecter of persons. It must apply to everyone, regardless of political party or position,” he said.