A prominent Ghanaian law firm, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, has accused state investigators of intimidation and abuse of process following the arrest and detention of two of its lawyers. The firm stated on May 8 that media reports have inaccurately portrayed its legal professionals as having engaged in wrongdoing in connection with the ongoing PDS-ECG matter.
Context of the PDS-ECG Dispute
The PDS-ECG saga refers to a complex dispute involving the Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). PDS took over the management of ECG’s assets in a concession agreement, but this arrangement was terminated by the government in 2019 due to alleged irregularities in the contract renegotiation process.
This termination led to significant legal battles, including arbitration proceedings at the London Court of International Arbitration. The firm’s statement highlights that these arbitration proceedings concluded in November 2025 with an award, asserting that PDS owed no money to ECG beyond settled costs.
Allegations of Intimidation and Denial of Counsel
According to the law firm’s statement, Senior Partner Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo and Junior Partner Sophia Kokor visited the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) offices on April 30, 2026, to represent clients involved in the PDS-ECG investigation. However, they were reportedly denied the right to represent their clients.
Instead, the firm alleges, BNI and Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) officials declared the lawyers themselves as “persons of interest.” This led to the restriction of their movement and subsequent interrogation.
The lawyers were arrested and detained on allegations described by the firm as vague and unsubstantiated: “Dishonestly Receiving” and “Abetment of Money Laundering.” They were held until the evening of May 1, 2026, and subsequently granted bail in the substantial amount of GH¢50 million each.
Misrepresentation in Public Statements and Media
The firm cited a social media post by President’s Spokesman, Mr. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, and a subsequent interview by a spokesperson for the Attorney-General’s office as the basis for the misleading media reports. These statements allegedly referred to a “PDS quartet” arrested over money allegedly belonging to ECG, with misspelt names identifying the firm’s lawyers.
The firm strongly refutes the claim that the four individuals, including its lawyers, were arrested for involvement in transferring GH¢850 million from an ECG account. They state that this specific assertion does not appear in any Investigation Caution Statement and is therefore inaccurate.
Arbitration Proceedings and Financial Claims
Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners emphasized that the four individuals arrested had all participated in the arbitration proceedings related to the PDS-ECG matter. The arbitration, which began in 2021, concluded with an award in November 2025.
The firm reiterates that PDS did not owe any money to ECG beyond the arbitration costs, which have been settled. This directly contradicts the narrative suggested by the arrests concerning alleged illicit financial transfers.
Broader Implications for the Justice System
The law firm contends that these arrests constitute a “direct assault on the right to legal counsel and the professional immunity of lawyers.” They argue that when lawyers are arrested while discharging their professional duties and are denied the right to represent their clients, the integrity of the entire justice system is compromised.
The firm views the actions as a “calculated attempt to intimidate and harass our lawyers and the firm.” The allegations of wrongdoing and the subsequent media portrayal are described as misleading and damaging to the professional reputations of the firm and the individual lawyers.
What to Watch Next
The legal fraternity and the public will be closely watching the developments in this case. Key areas to monitor include the formal charges, if any, that will be filed against the lawyers and their clients. Furthermore, the firm’s potential legal challenges against the investigators and the state for alleged abuse of process and defamation will be significant.
The outcome of these proceedings could set important precedents regarding the protection of legal professionals in Ghana and the boundaries of investigative powers when dealing with complex commercial disputes and their legal representation.
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