The Ashanti Regional Secretariat of the NPP has expressed concern over the detention of Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Lawyer Baffour Awuah, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office. In a statement signed by Dr Francis Adomako, Ashanti Regional Secretary of NPP, the party described the detention as reprehensible and an affront to the rule of law. The statement said the regional executive and the entire members of the NPP in the Ashanti region are very concerned about the manner in which EOCO is handling the case involving the legislator.
The NPP's statement noted that Lawyer Baffour Awuah's overnight detention was needless, especially given that he had not been found guilty of any charges leveled against him by EOCO. The party recognized EOCO's mandate to investigate matters concerning national security and public conduct but emphasized that such investigations must adhere to constitutional limits and natural justice principles. The NPP also expressed concern about the treatment of the MP, who was subjected to humiliation after voluntarily presenting himself upon learning of an arrest warrant.
The Ashanti NPP reminded President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government that using state power to intimidate political opponents threatens national cohesion and sets a dangerous precedent. The party appealed to the President to be cautious about the manner investigative bodies are being used to harass opposition elements, including NPP members. The NPP warned that political power is transient and that such actions could backfire.
The NPP's statement called on Civil Society Organisations, the Clergy, and the Ghana Bar Association to condemn the blatant abuse of power before it escalates political tensions in the country. The party also urged the President to take steps to prevent such abuses of power. The detention of Lawyer Baffour Awuah has sparked concern among constituents in the Manhyia south constituency.
Some constituents who spoke to the Ghana News Agency expressed grave concern about the continued detention of their MP, saying it was an attempt to intimidate him and prevent him from undertaking his lawful duty as a lawyer and legislator. They believed the incarceration of the MP was politically motivated and aimed at silencing him from expressing his opinion on national issues.
The constituents called on EOCO not to chart a path that could trigger political tension in the country. They stated that the entire people in the constituency were solidly behind the MP and would not be intimidated by the government's attempt to silence him. The constituents urged EOCO to handle the case with caution and respect for the MP's rights.
The Ghana News Agency gathered that the detention of Lawyer Baffour Awuah has sparked a mixed reaction from the public, with some calling for his release and others demanding that EOCO be allowed to investigate the matter. The situation remains a source of concern for the NPP and the constituents of Manhyia south.
Key points
- The Ashanti NPP has condemned the detention of Manhyia South MP, Lawyer Baffour Awuah, as an affront to the rule of law.
- The party has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to be cautious about the manner investigative bodies are being used to harass opposition elements.
- Constituents of Manhyia south have expressed concern about the detention, saying it is politically motivated and aimed at silencing the MP.
