Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah, a member of Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed concerns that Ghana may be reverting to the days of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era. This warning follows the attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) on September 23, 2026. The incident occurred at the Accra High Court, where Baffour Awuah had appeared as counsel for Salomey Baffoe Awiti in the ongoing “Ghana Jollof” case.
According to Dr. Danquah, the manner in which EOCO officials attempted to arrest the MP raises serious concerns about Ghana's democratic state. He criticized an incident captured on video, where an EOCO official approached the MP's moving vehicle, arguing that this action could have put lives at risk. Dr. Danquah emphasized that the MP's conduct during the incident helped prevent it from becoming more dangerous. He questioned the decision to present this incident as evidence of strength by the state agency, describing it as a sign of weakness.
EOCO confirmed that its officers had attempted to arrest Baffour Awuah in connection with an ongoing investigation. The agency stated that the operation was halted after the situation escalated and officers assessed that continuing could endanger public safety. EOCO also revealed that Baffour Awuah had been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with the investigation but failed to honour the invitations. The agency claimed the attempted arrest was part of efforts to secure his attendance in accordance with the law.
However, Baffour Awuah disputed aspects of EOCO's account. He claimed that the February invitation was addressed to the senior partner of his law firm and that a representative of the firm subsequently cooperated with EOCO's investigation. Dr. Danquah also raised concerns about the increasing number of arrests and prison sentences in Ghana. He described the developments as troubling and called for greater attention to the protection of democratic institutions and constitutional principles.
Dr. Danquah compared the current situation to Ghana's past under the PNDC, specifically referencing the years 1989, 1985, and 1980. He expressed fear that Ghana's democracy is under threat, citing the numerous arrests and sentences. The NPP member emphasized that the incident should not be seen as a display of strength by EOCO, but rather as a concerning trend in the country's democratic landscape.
The incident has sparked debate, with differing accounts of what transpired. While EOCO maintains that the attempted arrest was lawful, Dr. Danquah and Baffour Awuah have raised questions about the agency's actions. The Manhyia South MP's dispute of EOCO's account has added to the controversy, highlighting the need for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dr. Danquah's comments have sparked a national conversation about the state of Ghana's democracy and the role of state agencies like EOCO. As the country continues to navigate these challenges, there is a growing call for vigilance in protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. The incident has also raised questions about the balance between enforcing the law and respecting the rights of citizens, particularly those in positions of authority.
Key points
- Dr. Palgrave Boakye Danquah warns Ghana may be returning to the PNDC era due to increasing arrests and sentences.
- EOCO attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on September 23, 2026, at the Accra High Court.
- The incident has sparked debate about the state of Ghana's democracy and the role of state agencies like EOCO.
