Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the Chief Justice to examine the practice of law enforcement agencies attempting to arrest suspects on court premises. This call follows an alleged incident involving officers from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) who attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah after he appeared at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23. The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of investigating agencies within court premises.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the alleged incident occurred when Baffour Awuah, a lawyer by profession, exited the courtroom and was ambushed by EOCO officers on the court premises. The Minority Leader questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident, stating that it raises concerns about the conduct of investigating agencies. He emphasized that the Chief Justice should determine whether investigating agencies are permitted to enter court premises with the specific intention of arresting a suspect or accused person.
Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about a departure from the established procedure for state agencies seeking the presence of Members of Parliament. He explained that agencies such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the Ghana Police Service, and EOCO are expected to formally write to the Speaker of Parliament when they require an MP to appear before an investigating body. The Speaker subsequently refers the request to Parliament's leadership, which works with the legal directorate to make arrangements for the MP to avail himself.
The Minority Leader questioned what has changed, given that the alleged incident involving EOCO and Baffour Awuah appears to have deviated from this established procedure. He emphasized that there is nothing like preferential treatment, but the procedure has been set in place due to the nature of an MP's work. All state security agencies are expected to observe this procedure, according to Afenyo-Markin.
Baffour Awuah's lawyers have disputed EOCO's claim that he was invited in February. The MP himself has also stated that EOCO never personally invited him. The incident has sparked controversy, with many questioning the actions of EOCO and the circumstances surrounding the alleged arrest.
The Interior Ministry spokesperson has stated that pursuing Baffour Awuah through Parliament would have made the arrest process more decorous. The incident has highlighted the need for clarity on the protocols for arresting MPs and the conduct of investigating agencies within court premises. The Chief Justice is expected to examine this practice and determine whether changes are necessary.
Key points
- The Chief Justice has been urged to investigate the practice of law enforcement agencies arresting suspects on court premises.
- The alleged incident involving EOCO and Baffour Awuah has raised concerns about the conduct of investigating agencies within court premises.
- The established procedure for state agencies seeking the presence of Members of Parliament appears to have been deviated from in the alleged incident.
