Ghana's Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has expressed concerns over the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) handling of an attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. The incident occurred at the Accra High Court on September 23, 2026. Dafeamekpor stated that EOCO must adhere to established procedures when dealing with Members of Parliament. He emphasized the importance of respecting the constitutional rights of MPs.
According to Dafeamekpor, Article 117 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution provides protection to MPs, the Speaker, and the Clerk to Parliament from civil or criminal processes while attending parliamentary proceedings. He argued that this provision has been interpreted to require law enforcement agencies to channel arrest processes through the Speaker of Parliament. Dafeamekpor's comments highlight the need for EOCO and other state security agencies to respect this procedure.
Dafeamekpor described the attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah within the court precincts as "absolutely unacceptable." He stressed that EOCO and other law enforcement agencies must not undermine the authority and dignity of Parliament as a separate arm of government. The Majority Chief Whip's statement emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship between Parliament and other state institutions.
The incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between Parliament and state institutions. Dafeamekpor cautioned against conduct that could affront the powers, image, dignity, and general standing of Parliament. He emphasized that Parliament's leadership would resist any attempt to breach the established protocol and cordial relationship between Parliament and other state institutions.
Dafeamekpor's statement on social media on September 23, 2026, highlighted the need for EOCO and other law enforcement agencies to follow lawful procedures. He cited the importance of being guided by the law and respecting Article 117 rights. The Majority Chief Whip's comments have sparked a conversation about the role of law enforcement agencies in dealing with MPs.
The attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah has raised questions about the balance between the powers of law enforcement agencies and the rights of MPs. Dafeamekpor's statement emphasizes the need for a harmonious relationship between Parliament and state institutions. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential consequences of EOCO's actions on the relationship between Parliament and state institutions.
The incident is likely to have implications for the relationship between Parliament and state institutions in Ghana. Dafeamekpor's statement has highlighted the need for EOCO and other law enforcement agencies to respect the constitutional rights of MPs. The Majority Chief Whip's comments have emphasized the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship between Parliament and other state institutions.
Key points
- EOCO must follow established procedures when dealing with Members of Parliament.
