CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, has urged the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Baffour Awuah, to cooperate with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to clear his name. Edudzi stated that it is in Baffour Awuah's interest to do so. This advice comes as Baffour Awuah faces corruption allegations and is set to appear in court.
Edudzi expressed confidence that Baffour Awuah will be granted bail when he appears in court. He noted that if the initial February invitation to the lawmaker was honoured, he would probably not be in this situation today. Edudzi also suggested that if lawmakers want the procedure for arresting any of them amended, they can present a private members' bill to amend the criminal procedures.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has stated that it is not in breach of any law in the matter of Baffour Awuah. EOCO has acted within the laws to handle this matter. According to Edudzi, EOCO has so far followed the law, particularly Article 14, which states that a person under investigation must be put before a court within 48 hours.
However, Lawmayer Martin Kpebu disagrees with EOCO's handling of the case. He argues that keeping Baffour Awuah in custody does not help EOCO's case, especially since the MP had been aware of the case since February and did not abscond. Kpebu stated that there is no way he will be convinced that detention is necessary.
Baffour Awuah voluntarily surrendered to EOCO on October 1 and has been in custody since then. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and other NPP officials visited him on October 2. Afenyo-Markin likened the conduct of the NDC Government to a police officer determined to arrest a driver at all costs, alleging that the government is deliberately finding faults to persecute opposition members.
Afenyo-Markin accused the government of perpetuating a cycle of political witch-hunting, warning that it is making it difficult for moderate voices within the NPP to preach restraint. He alleged that the government is using corruption tags to silence critics, including social media activists. Afenyo-Markin called on NPP members to stay united and focused on the party's future.
EOCO has dismissed claims that Baffour Awuah has been granted bail, stating that it is working with the Office of the Attorney-General to meet constitutional timelines. The Office also urged the public to disregard media reports that the Office has granted the Suspect a GH₵50 million bail.
Key points
- Godwin Edudzi advises Baffour Awuah to cooperate with EOCO.
- EOCO's handling of the case is disputed by Lawmayer Martin Kpebu.
- Alexander Afenyo-Markin accuses the government of political witch-hunting.
