The popular Ghanaian dancehall artist, Shatta Wale, may face extended detention beyond Ghana’s 48-hour constitutional limit, according to legal and governance consultant, Kweku Asare, who has weighed in on the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) ongoing investigations.
Shatta Wale was invited by EOCO earlier this week over alleged links to money laundering and suspicious financial transactions. The development has sparked widespread debate among fans and legal observers, many of whom argue that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution provides a safeguard that prevents individuals from being held without charge for more than two days.
However, Consultant Asare in a media engagement clarified that the 48-hour rule is not absolute. He explained that while Article 14 of the Constitution provides personal liberty protections, investigative bodies such as EOCO, with the backing of a court order, can extend the detention period.
“The public must understand that EOCO operates differently from the regular police service. If they obtain a remand order or demonstrate to a judge that further detention is necessary for ongoing financial investigations, Shatta Wale could legally be held beyond the 48-hour window,” he said.
He further emphasized that financial crime probes often involve complex cross-border transactions, requiring international cooperation, which makes swift conclusions difficult.
Meanwhile, Shatta Wale’s management has denied any wrongdoing, describing the investigation as a “targeted attempt to dent his image.” In a press statement, his team insisted that the musician has cooperated fully with EOCO and provided all necessary documentation regarding his financial dealings.
The case has already triggered heated reactions on social media, with fans rallying behind the artist under the hashtag #FreeShattaWale, while others argue that accountability laws must apply to celebrities without exception.
Legal analysts note that the outcome of this case will test the balance between constitutional liberties and the state’s mandate to investigate economic crimes, especially when high-profile figures are involved.
As of now, EOCO has not confirmed whether it will seek a court order to extend Shatta Wale’s detention or release him pending further investigations.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
Thanks for reading from Lovin ghana news as a news publishing website from Ghana. You are free to share this story via the various social media platforms and follow us on; Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp Instagram etc.
