A troubling case of alleged investor abuse has sparked a national call for urgent government action.
Legal scholar and Democracy and Development Fellow at CDD-Ghana, Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, has urged state institutions to immediately investigate serious claims brought against Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Prof. Asare, speaking on the implications of the case, stressed the necessity of upholding the rule of law.
He emphasized that allowing political figures to operate above the law not only threatens individual rights but also undermines the very foundations of democracy.
“Investor confidence and Ghana’s international reputation are at risk. No credible foreign investor will consider Ghana a safe environment if such acts go unpunished.”
Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare
At the heart of the controversy is a court application (HR/0131/2025) filed before the Human Rights Division of the High Court by Mr. Toh You Kang, a Singaporean investor.
The case outlined a series of damning allegations involving fraud, extortion, physical assault, and gross human rights violations.
Mr. Kang alleged that Moore exploited his political influence and connections with security agencies to orchestrate a campaign of intimidation and deceit for personal and political gain.
The charges are extensive and deeply concerning. Mr. Kang claimed he was lured to Ghana under false pretenses with the promise of lucrative contracts with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Once in the country, the investor said he was subjected to violent assault and kidnapping, all while being pressured to pay $3 million. He also alleged he was coerced into contributing $1.5 million worth of political merchandise to the NDC’s 2024 campaign.
In an even more disturbing turn, Mr. Kang accused Moore and his associates of circulating humiliating, semi-nude photos to extort an additional $5 million from his family.
Among the allegations, several raise red flags about systemic abuse and political interference. Mr. Kang reported that he was unlawfully detained by the police, denied access to legal counsel, and subjected to treatment that blatantly violated his human rights.
These events suggest an unsettling manipulation of state institutions for personal or partisan advantage.
Investor Abuse Raises Procurement Red Flags
Accordingly, Prof. Kwaku Asare pointed out that the allegations cast serious doubt on the integrity of Ghana’s procurement systems.
He cited mentions of fictitious contracts with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and demands for 10% kickbacks as alarming indicators of entrenched corruption, potentially reflecting a wider pattern of state capture.
He further emphasized that, if proven true, these claims reveal a troubling nexus between political authority and criminal activity.
In addition, Prof. Asare drew attention to a likely breach of Ghana’s electoral laws, noting that the alleged $1.5 million in campaign contributions from a foreign national is not only unlawful but also a significant threat to electoral fairness and national sovereignty.
He urged the Electoral Commission to take swift action, including a formal investigation and application of appropriate sanctions under the Political Parties Act.
In outlining a path forward, Prof. Asare called for coordinated action across multiple state agencies.
He recommended that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) immediately launch parallel probes into both the financial and criminal aspects of the case.
In addition, he stressed that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) must independently examine the allegations of human rights violations and political abuse of office.
“The Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, and Trade should liaise with the Singaporean Embassy to ensure full transparency and cooperation. Parliament should consider a bipartisan probe if political interference is suspected in state responses.”
Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare
According to him, if political interference is suspected in how the state responds to the issue, Parliament should step in with a bipartisan inquiry to ensure that the matter receives unbiased oversight.
Prof. Asare concluded by emphasizing that this issue extends far beyond one individual.
“This is not just about Mr. Moore. It is about the integrity of our democratic institutions. Failure to act decisively sends a message that power can shield wrongdoers, erodes public trust, and jeopardizes our nation’s international standing.”
Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare
He warned that silence and inaction in the face of such investor abuse would embolden similar behavior in the future, making Ghana a less attractive destination for legitimate investment and further weakening the rule of law.
Meanwhile, as this high-profile case garners both domestic and international attention, the pressure mounts on Ghanaian authorities to show that justice and accountability still prevail in the Republic.
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