A prominent law firm has accused state investigators of intimidation and abuse. This comes after two of its lawyers were arrested and detained. The arrests occurred in connection with the ongoing investigation into the PDS-ECG power sector matter.
The firm, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, stated that media reports wrongly portrayed its lawyers as involved in wrongdoing. These reports stem from a social media post by President’s Spokesman Felix Ofosu Kwakye. He mentioned the arrest of a PDS ‘quartet’ and alleged bail was granted for money linked to ECG. The firm noted the misspelling of its lawyers' names in these reports.
The PDS-ECG saga is a significant issue for Ghana's energy sector. It involves a concession agreement that was controversially terminated. The government has been investigating financial flows and governance related to this agreement. Allegations of fund mismanagement have resurfaced, impacting confidence in public institutions.
A spokesperson for the Attorney-General’s office, in a subsequent interview, also alleged that four individuals, including the firm’s lawyers, were arrested. These arrests were reportedly linked to the transfer of GHS 850 million from an ECG account. The law firm strongly refutes these claims. They described the allegations as misleading and damaging. The firm stated that the lawyers, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo and Sophia Kokor, visited the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) on April 30, 2026, to represent clients. Instead, they were declared 'persons of interest'.
The firm condemned the actions as an assault on legal rights. They stated that both Senior Partner Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo and Junior Partner Sophia Kokor were interrogated. They were subsequently arrested on charges of 'Dishonestly Receiving' and 'Abetment of Money Laundering'. Both lawyers were detained until the evening of May 1, 2026. Each was then granted bail in the sum of GHS 50 million.
The firm emphasized that the arrested individuals had participated in arbitration proceedings. These proceedings started in 2021 between PDS, ECG, and the Government of Ghana at the London Court of International Arbitration. The arbitration concluded with an award in November 2025. The firm states PDS owed no money to ECG for costs beyond those already settled. They specifically reject the GHS 850 million transfer claim. This amount is allegedly from an ECG Calbank Account due to an 'Interim Protocol'. The firm asserts no such detail appears on any Investigation Caution Statement.
These arrests could have serious implications for legal practice in Ghana. They raise concerns about the protection of lawyers performing their professional duties. The firm referred to these actions as a calculated attempt to intimidate and harass its lawyers and the firm. It warned that when lawyers are arrested for professional obligations, the integrity of the justice system is compromised. This incident might lead to increased scrutiny of state investigation methods. It could also affect investor confidence, especially concerning the energy sector reform processes.