Ghana Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has recounted a dramatic encounter with officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) outside the Accra High Court. According to him, the incident began shortly after he addressed the media following court proceedings. A woman approached him, stating that he was needed at EOCO, but her manner raised concerns. Baffour Awuah, also the Vice Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee, said he had to free himself from her grip before offering to drive to EOCO in his own vehicle.
Baffour Awuah explained that the woman firmly held his wrist and insisted that he use the EOCO vehicle, claiming that the office had written to him on three occasions. However, the MP disputed this, saying he had not received any such letters. He then called for his aide, Afua Kwa, to accompany them in his car, but the EOCO official continued to insist that he should get into their vehicle. The MP said he asked her to produce identification showing that she was from EOCO, but she was unable to do so.
The inability of the woman to produce identification heightened Baffour Awuah's suspicion that he could be facing a kidnapping attempt. He described the incident as "an unlawful arrest" and "an attempt to abduct me by persons who don’t want to work with law." The MP said he decided to drive himself to EOCO when the office was ready to "do the right thing." Baffour Awuah also rejected the suggestion that he was fleeing from a lawful arrest when he drove away and subsequently went to Parliament.
According to Baffour Awuah, seeking sanctuary at Parliament was justified, saying "it is not wrong if I’m seeking sanctuary." He added that one seeks sanctuary against kidnappers, and therefore, his actions were not wrong. The incident has sparked reactions, with some questioning the legitimacy of the EOCO's actions. The MP's account of the incident has raised concerns about the methods used by some state agencies.
The EOCO has responded to the incident, stating that Baffour Awuah had declined two invitations in February. However, the MP has disputed this, saying he was not aware of any such invitations. The incident has sparked a debate about the limits of state agencies' powers and the protection of citizens' rights. Baffour Awuah's account has also raised questions about the prevalence of kidnappings and state-sponsored abductions in Ghana.
The MP has expressed his willingness to cooperate with EOCO when the office is ready to "do the right thing." Baffour Awuah has also received support from some colleagues, with one describing the incident as "extremely unfortunate." The incident has highlighted the need for state agencies to operate within the law and respect citizens' rights.
The controversy surrounding the incident continues, with various stakeholders weighing in on the matter. Baffour Awuah's account has sparked concerns about the accountability of state agencies and the protection of citizens' rights. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the operations of state agencies.
Key points
- EOCO's actions have raised concerns about the prevalence of kidnappings and state-sponsored abductions in Ghana.
- Baffour Awuah has expressed his willingness to cooperate with EOCO when the office is ready to "do the right thing."
- The incident has sparked a debate about the limits of state agencies' powers and the protection of citizens' rights.
