The lawyer representing former National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) CEO Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, Nana Baffour Awuah, has described his client’s recent arrest and detention by the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) as politically motivated.
Nkansah was taken into custody following comments he made on a radio programme alleging irregularities in the government’s scholarship programme for studies abroad. While facing charges of bribery and corruption, his lawyer argues that the manner of the arrest and interrogation points to political persecution rather than a routine investigation.
Speaking on Morning Starr on Thursday, February 12, Awuah criticised the BNI for lack of transparency and failure to inform his legal team of Nkansah’s whereabouts during the arrest.
“The BNI charged him, took him to his house for a search, and subsequently drove out with him without informing the lawyers who were present,” Awuah said.“You must have seen news that I didn’t know where my client was. He had been taken to an unknown location. That was true because the BNI had failed to disclose to me where they were taking him as his lawyer.”
The lawyer also questioned the relevance of the home search to the allegations, calling it unrelated and curious, suggesting that the actions were meant to demonstrate authority rather than serve investigative purposes.
Awuah further argued that Nkansah’s arrest fits a broader pattern of politically motivated actions against outspoken critics of government programmes, urging the authorities to uphold transparency, due process, and fairness in handling the case.
“I found it very ridiculous and for me the chronology only confirms that it was a powerful hand. why would the BNI not be able to wait a day more? Why? Clearly somebody felt uncomfortable politically that Kofi Ofosu is somebody who is always criticizing government. you know was let go or treated with kids’ gloves. That’s what it is.”
The former NEIP CEO, who is currently on bail, continues to cooperate with authorities but will face trial later this year.
