Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai has accused Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah of deliberately refusing to honour an invitation from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Dr. Srem-Sai described Baffour Awuah's decision not to respond to the invitation as a "deliberate and principled position", arguing that there were no obstacles preventing him from appearing before the investigative body. This accusation was made on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Thursday, October 1.
According to Dr. Srem-Sai, Baffour Awuah had the opportunity to present himself to EOCO but chose not to do so. Dr. Srem-Sai challenged Baffour Awuah's argument that EOCO could have arrested him during one of his visits to its offices, where he had gone to represent clients. The Deputy Attorney-General stated that it would have been inappropriate for EOCO to arrest a lawyer while he was performing his professional duties on behalf of a client.
Dr. Srem-Sai also questioned Baffour Awuah's suggestion that EOCO should have arrested him during one of those visits rather than expecting him to respond to the invitation. He described this argument as a "typical bad faith comment", saying it would not have been practical or reasonable. Dr. Srem-Sai further stated that Baffour Awuah's visits to EOCO demonstrated that he was not prevented from accessing the office.
The Deputy Attorney-General said Baffour Awuah could instead have used one of his visits to EOCO to respond to the invitation after completing his professional duties. He asked why Baffour Awuah did not take one of those moments just after visiting EOCO to inform them that he had received the invitation and was now submitting himself to it. Dr. Srem-Sai also stated that EOCO was not expected to arrest lawyers who visited its premises to represent clients.
Dr. Srem-Sai said that arresting Baffour Awuah while he was representing a client would have raised more serious concerns about the treatment of legal practitioners. He added that such an action would have strengthened Baffour Awuah's argument that he was being targeted in the course of his work as a legal practitioner. According to Dr. Srem-Sai, EOCO had a tactical team ready to arrest Baffour Awuah.
The accusation against Baffour Awuah is related to an alleged financial loss and money laundering. EOCO had secured a court warrant to arrest the Manhyia South MP, Baffour Awuah, after he failed to honour an invitation to answer questions. Baffour Awuah had reportedly visited EOCO on several occasions but was not arrested.
The issue has sparked a debate about the treatment of legal practitioners by law enforcement agencies. Some have argued that EOCO's actions were justified, while others have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse of power. The case is ongoing, with Baffour Awuah yet to respond to the EOCO invitation.
Key points
- Deputy AG Dr. Justice Srem-Sai accuses Baffour Awuah of deliberately refusing to honour an EOCO invitation.
- Baffour Awuah had visited EOCO on several occasions but was not arrested.
- The accusation against Baffour Awuah is related to an alleged financial loss and money laundering.
