Law must override emotion in corruption cases - NACOC deputy

A Deputy Director at the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Twum Barimah, has said emotionally driven reactions to legal proceedings involving high-profile figures should be discouraged and allow legal institutions to operate without interference.

He was speaking in a television discussion programme on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday, May 31, 2025,

While addressing recent developments involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Mr Barimah said the arrest and investigation of Mr Boasiako were carried out in line with legal procedures.

He explained that the police initially visited the NPP chairman’s residence in Kumasi following a complaint. Mr Boasiako subsequently reported to the police headquarters in Accra on the following Monday and Tuesday. On the second day, he was taken into custody by personnel from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

He said EOCO was acting within its powers under Act 804, which gives the office authority to investigate financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering and cross-border offences.

Mr Barimah noted that questions had been raised about EOCO’s involvement despite the case already being handled by the police. But he said multiple state institutions could operate simultaneously in such matters. “You can have concurrent cases with the police, NIB or EOCO, it doesn’t change anything,” he said.

He commended Mr Boasiako’s lawyer, Mr Andy Appiah-Kubi, for recognising that the arrest was lawful. “If there’s a warrant of arrest against you, authorities can arrest you, whether you’re already with another institution or not,” he said.

Commenting on the bail granted to Mr Boasiako, Mr Barimah said it was processed on the same day as the arrest.

He dismissed suggestions that the bail conditions were excessive, saying: “If 500 million or 100 million was acceptable, why is 50 million considered outrageous?”

He added that individuals granted bail must meet the conditions set by the authorities. “If you’ve been granted bail, meet the conditions and go home. If you can’t, don’t blame anyone else, blame yourself and those around you,” he said.

Mr Barimah also responded to protests by some Members of Parliament, who staged a sit-in over the arrest.

He said while they had a right to express their views, such actions would not alter legal procedures. “The law will remain the law and will be applied fully,” he stated.

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