Prof. Frimpong-Boateng arrest by OSP was standard — Martin Kpebu

Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng was not put in handcuff when he was arrested, private legal practitioner Mr Martin Kpebu has said.

Mr Kpebu indicated that the way and manner Prof Frimpong-Boateng was arrested met standard procedure.

“It was not that he was arrested and put in handcuff. He was invited and he went and after interrogation, the officer put his hand around his shoulder and said he was arrested,” Kpebu said on the Key Points on TV3/3FM Saturday, June 10.

“What they [OSP] did is standard,” he added.

Kpebu further said he has confidence in the OSP under the leadership of Mr Kissi Agyebeng to deliver on its mandate, especially in handling the case involving Prof Frimpong-Boateng.

“So far Mr Kissi Agyebeng hasn't given me cause to worry that he doesn't have what it takes to handle the office. The noise is very good but let us be circumspect,” he said.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng who is also a renowned heart surgeon was put under investigation following an invitation given to him by the Office weeks ago.

He was invited on corruption and corruption-related activities, particularly over his report on the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

He was also arrested for alleged involvement in the missing of some 500 excavators and the involvement Symphony Limited, the company owned by his son, in illegal mining.

He was immediately granted bail of GH¢2 million.

But the OSP has received flak for this action. For instance, Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General Nii Ayikoi Otoo has described the arrest as bizarre.

He also described it as 'the complainant-turned-accused'.

“It is a little bit bizarre,” Mr Ayikoi said on the Key Points on TV3/3FM Saturday, June 10.

He added “[Frimpong-Boateng] makes a lot of allegations about individuals in the powerhouse in his report and the OSP has told us he is interested.

“The report shows his frustrations and the support that he couldn't get in fighting galamsey, if there is something to be done why won't you focus on the report.. and now the complainant has been arrested and granted bail.

“It is diversionary, that is my view.”

—3news.com