On September 23, a concerning incident unfolded in Ghana as Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, alleged that an Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) official attempted to kidnap him. According to Baffour Awuah, the incident occurred while he was on his way to Parliament. The MP claimed that the woman who identified herself as an EOCO official did not provide any evidence to confirm her identity or produce an arrest warrant.
The incident is linked to the case of Salomey Awiti, who has been charged with abetment of crime over her alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media. Awiti, also known as 'Ghana Jollof,' is accused of working as an intermediary for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua and facilitating the circulation of her videos. On September 13, police arrested Awiti at her home in Hansua, Techiman Municipality, Bono East Region. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody for two weeks.
Baffour Awuah recounted that the EOCO official intended to forcibly take him into their vehicle, prompting him to drive to safety. He stated that he had to protect himself and his family, particularly his children. The MP expressed gratitude to his colleagues in Parliament for their support. This incident has raised concerns about the methods employed by law enforcement agencies in Ghana.
The case has sparked a wider conversation about freedom of speech in Ghana. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, has emphasized that Ghana's democracy can only be strengthened when citizens are free to express themselves without fear of arrest or prosecution for their speech. He noted that those who oppose and speak freely against politicians should not face arrest or prosecution for expressing their views.
Dr. Bawumia's comments follow a plea urging the government to release a National Democratic Congress (NDC) organiser in Agona West who is facing charges over alleged offensive comments made about him. The Vice President stated that he has neither lodged complaints nor sanctioned the prosecution of individuals who spoke against him during his tenure as Vice President or while the NPP was in government.
The Tribunals Bill, 2026, which was recently passed by Parliament, has also been a topic of discussion. Dr. Bawumia has added to the many individuals cautioning President John Dramani Mahama against assenting to the bill. The Tribunals Bill seeks to address the lacuna in the legal framework of Ghana regarding tribunals. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to give his assent in the coming days before it becomes law.
The intended kidnapping of Baffour Awuah by an EOCO official has raised concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Ghana. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the need for law enforcement agencies to operate within the bounds of the law. Key stakeholders, including civil society organizations and human rights groups, are expected to weigh in on the matter in the coming days.
Key points
- An EOCO official attempted to kidnap Ghanaian MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
- The incident is linked to a case involving the alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media.
- The case has sparked concerns about freedom of speech and the rule of law in Ghana.
