Political activist and legal practitioner, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has commended law enforcement agencies for arresting the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, Mr. Kwabena Adu Boahene, who, according to him, had been evading authorities for some time.
He emphasized that the Bureau had long been implicated in financial misconduct, stating that many individuals had suffered extortion and harassment under its supervision.
“Having dealt with that Bureau on behalf of clients whose businesses were harassed and extorted from, I know the extent of rot and financial crimes the office supervised and was directly implicated in.
“I am sure many people have horror stories of criminal extortion and financial malfeasance that will soon begin to come out.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
He also brought up the alleged kidnapping of the Emirates Airlines Airport Services Manager, acknowledging its significance but suggesting that there may be even more pressing ORAL-related concerns.
While he recognized the relevance of the case, he proposed setting it aside for the moment, expressing confidence that deeper and potentially more serious ORAL issues could be at play.
Accordingly, Barker-Vormawor expressed cautious optimism about recent developments under Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL).
He noted that while he has been a vocal critic of its slow pace, he is now beginning to see progress that offers “some glimmer.”
“I know I am a cynic at heart; but these few days I have been waking up to positive developments on the ORAL landscape, which is offering some glimmer.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
A key concern raised by Barker-Vormawor was the tendency of high-profile suspects to flee the country.
He pointed out that many former appointees had sought refuge abroad and questioned the government’s strategy for ensuring their return or preventing such escapes in the first place.
“I hear like most of the former appointees, he has Jakpa’d and now lives abroad. That’s another area of concern for me, in many of the ORAL issues. ”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
As such, he criticized the judiciary’s handling of bail, pointing out a disparity in treatment. He argued that individuals accused of financial crimes are often granted bail, while ordinary citizens facing lesser charges endure extended detention.
He highlighted this inconsistency, noting that while courts readily approve bail in some cases, galamsey protesters charged with minor offenses can be held for weeks.
Additionally, Oliver Barker-Vormawor took a swipe at the Minority in Parliament, predicting that they would attempt to politicize the arrest.
He sarcastically remarked that they would soon hold a press conference accusing law enforcement of theft.
“Anyway, I am waiting for Afenyo-Markin sure to call a press conference at 2 pm, telling us that the guy’s diamond wristwatch and his wife’s G-String were stolen by the new IGP when he was being arrested.
“Trust the holy trinity of Asaase Radio, Citi FM, and the fake news farm called ‘Ghana Today’ to pepper us with salacious graphics, with twisted quotes.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
He made a satirical remark on the country’s political landscape, stating, “Ghana is a comedy club, I swear.”
Minority Leader Condemns Arrest, Labels It Political Persecution
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin decried the arrest, describing it as part of a systematic effort to suppress political opponents.
In a statement titled “One Day, One Human Rights Abuse—NDC’s Persecution of Political Opponents Continues”, he detailed the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Mr. Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau.
Afenyo-Markin revealed that Mr. Adu Boahene arrived at the Kotoka International Airport from London Heathrow on March 20, 2025, at approximately 8:30 PM.
“Upon arrival at the CIP, he went through immigration formalities. While patiently waiting in the lounge for his baggage, an immigration officer informed him that there was an issue with his name that needed to be rectified at the main office in Terminal 3 Departures. He was also told that he needed to have a discussion with the Immigration Boss.”
Alexander Afenyo-Markin
He explained that Adu Boahene initially complied without resistance but was later informed that he was on the stop list of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Following this, he was taken into custody by EOCO Deputy Director Raymond Archer and a team of officers.
According to him, Boahene was placed into a white Nissan Navara pickup with registration number GN 8850-22, surrounded by heavily armed personnel.
Two additional vehicles—a second Navara pickup and a white Toyota Corolla—accompanied the convoy. At approximately 9:47 PM, he was swiftly taken to an undisclosed location.
The contrasting views of Barker-Vormawor and Afenyo-Markin highlight the ongoing debate surrounding ORAL’s execution.
While Barker-Vormawor acknowledges recent progress, he remains cautious about potential political interference and systemic flaws. Afenyo-Markin, on the other hand, frames the arrests as politically motivated, reinforcing suspicions of selective justice.
With ORAL continuing to unfold, the coming weeks will determine whether it truly serves as an impartial mechanism for accountability or becomes a tool for political retribution.
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