Members of Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Manhyia South Constituency have demanded an apology from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for attempting to unlawfully arrest their Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. The demand was made at a press conference on September 28, where party executives and constituents expressed outrage over the violation of the MP's rights and parliamentary privileges. They described the attempted arrest as a breach of protocols governing arrests by state security agencies.
According to Communication Officer for the constituency, Joseph Appiah, the attempted arrest occurred when the MP had gone to the High Court for a hearing of a bail application for his client, Salormey Awiti Baffoe. The MP resisted the arrest after the officer failed to provide proof that he was an EOCO operative. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for EOCO to adhere to due process and refrain from abusing politicians and ordinary citizens.
The NPP members claim that EOCO has been making claims that the MP has refused to honour its invitation since February, but the MP has refuted this, stating that the invitation was addressed to his law firm and not to him personally. The Communication Officer emphasized that Manhyia South has historically borne the brunt of political persecution, citing Okyeame Baffour Akoto, a prominent fighter for human rights and democracy from the area.
The constituents, clad in black with red head and arm bands, warned that any attempt to subject the MP to arbitrary harassment and unlawful arrest will be met with resolute resistance. They have called for a parliamentary enquiry into the alleged breach of the MP's privileges and the conduct of the EOCO officers. The MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has described the EOCO arrest attempt as 'provocation'.
Various stakeholders, including the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and law lecturers, have condemned EOCO's actions, arguing that the agency should have secured a warrant before attempting to arrest the MP at the court premises. The incident has raised concerns about the rule of law and the conduct of state security institutions in Ghana.
The MP's client, Salormey Awiti Baffoe, is being held for her alleged association with TikToker Ghana Jollof. The Communication Officer assured constituents that the MP remains resolute and determined to fight for the rights of his client. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the powers of EOCO and the need for state security institutions to adhere to due process.
The NPP members in Manhyia South have vowed to protect their MP's rights and privileges, emphasizing that they will not sit idle while his rights are trampled upon. The demand for an apology from EOCO is seen as a key step towards addressing the grievances of the constituents and ensuring that state security institutions respect the rights of citizens.
Key points
- EOCO's attempted arrest of Ghana's Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has sparked widespread condemnation.
- The incident has raised concerns about the rule of law and the conduct of state security institutions in Ghana.
- The NPP members in Manhyia South have demanded an apology from EOCO for the unlawful arrest attempt.
