Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, a hopeful for the New Patriotic Party's National Chairman position, has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. In a statement, Agyarko urged authorities to respect due process in the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He also called for Baffour Awuah's release on bail, emphasizing that keeping him in custody serves no purpose that reasonable bail cannot serve equally well.
According to Agyarko, Baffour Awuah had voluntarily presented himself to EOCO with his lawyers on October 1, after an earlier attempt to arrest him at the Accra High Court on September 23. Agyarko argued that a person who voluntarily reports to an investigative agency should not be considered a flight risk. He stressed that the NPP is not asking for special treatment for its members but rather for the constitutional rights afforded to every Ghanaian, including fairness, due process, and the presumption of innocence.
Agyarko emphasized the importance of investigative agencies operating professionally and independently, free from political motives. He urged President John Mahama to ensure that security and investigative agencies act with "restraint and even-handedness" so that citizens would not fear the state for holding different views. Agyarko also referenced concerns raised by the Ghana Bar Association over the attempted arrest of lawyers on court premises while representing clients.
The NPP National Chairman candidate appealed to President John Mahama to ensure that security and investigative agencies act with restraint and even-handedness. He called for calm among NPP supporters in Manhyia South, the Ashanti Region, and across the country as the party prepares for its National Delegates Conference. Agyarko emphasized that the party should express its solidarity peacefully and within the law, defending the rule of law.
Agyarko stated that the NPP will stand by every member who faces adversity, with legal support, presence, and principle. He added that the party will not be intimidated or provoked and that the rule of law must prevail. Baffour Awuah was arrested and detained by EOCO on September 23, and his lawyers have since been seeking his release on bail.
The Ghana Bar Association has raised concerns over the attempted arrest of lawyers on court premises while representing clients. Agyarko's statement comes amid growing concerns over the detention of Baffour Awuah and the perceived politicization of the investigation. The NPP has expressed solidarity with Baffour Awuah, his family, constituents, and colleagues at the Bar.
Baffour Awuah has been formally charged with money laundering and loss of public funds. His detention has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including politicians, lawyers, and civil society organizations. The case is ongoing, with Agyarko calling for Baffour Awuah's release on bail and for investigations to continue while he remains a free man, subject to the law.
Key points
- Boakye Agyarko urges EOCO to grant Baffour Awuah bail amid ongoing investigation.
- Agyarko emphasizes the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.
- The NPP has expressed solidarity with Baffour Awuah, calling for his release on bail and an end to perceived political intimidation.
