Ghana's Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to prioritize the pursuit of financiers and organisers of Ghana-linked drug trafficking networks. In a Facebook post on October 1, Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns that EOCO was disproportionately targeting opposition figures. He made these comments in relation to the arrest and investigation of Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
Afenyo-Markin's comments followed Baffour Awuah's appearance at EOCO on October 1, accompanied by his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, and other MPs. The Accra High Court had issued a warrant authorizing Baffour Awuah's arrest and searches for documents relevant to the investigation. EOCO had told the court that it had exhausted reasonable means of securing the MP's voluntary attendance. Afenyo-Markin questioned the circumstances surrounding the warrant and the MP's treatment.
The Minority Leader suggested that EOCO's actions could be part of a broader attempt to intimidate critical opposition voices. He claimed that Baffour Awuah had referred EOCO's earlier invitations to the Clerk of Parliament, but the agency had not recognized the correspondence. Afenyo-Markin also questioned whether EOCO had engaged the Speaker of Parliament before seeking the arrest warrant.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that his party was not seeking to interfere with the investigation into transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans. However, he expressed concerns about the MP's treatment and the broader implications for opposition voices. The Minority Leader's remarks add to the Minority's concerns about the handling of the case.
EOCO granted Baffour Awuah GH¢50m bail with three sureties. The investigation into the MP remains ongoing. Afenyo-Markin's call for EOCO to pursue drug trafficking financiers and organisers broadens the criticism to the agency's wider priorities.
The allegations about EOCO's conduct and the MP's treatment remain claims made by the Minority Leader. Afenyo-Markin's comments reflect concerns about the potential for selective prosecution and the need for EOCO to prioritize the pursuit of serious crimes.
The case has sparked debate about EOCO's role and priorities in investigating organized crime in Ghana. The agency's handling of the case will likely continue to be scrutinized by lawmakers and the public.
Key points
- Afenyo-Markin urges EOCO to prioritize the pursuit of drug trafficking financiers and organisers.
- The Minority Leader questions EOCO's handling of Baffour Awuah's arrest and investigation.
- EOCO granted Baffour Awuah GH¢50m bail with three sureties.