The Minority in Parliament has expressed concerns over the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) attempted arrest of the Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. According to the Minority, EOCO officials approached Mr Awuah immediately after he exited the courtroom while still within the court premises. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, after Mr Awuah had represented a client in court. The Minority Caucus questioned whether investigative agencies have the authority to enter court premises with the intention of arresting a suspect or accused person.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, called on the Chief Justice to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether such conduct by investigative agencies is permissible within court premises. He cited a previous incident involving the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, as an example of similar conduct by EOCO. In that case, EOCO allegedly attempted to arrest Mr Antwi Boasiako after he was invited by the police.
The Minority Caucus described the latest incident involving the Manhyia South MP as an abuse of state power. They alleged that EOCO was on a path to abuse Mr Awuah's fundamental human rights, specifically his right to freedom. The Minority Leader argued that EOCO could have adopted a more humane approach if it intended to arrest the MP. He added that the incident was unfortunate and undermined the rights of a citizen who is a lawyer and a Member of Parliament.
According to the Minority, Mr Awuah was approached by EOCO officials immediately after he exited the courtroom while still within the court premises. The Caucus raised concerns about the conduct of investigative agencies and whether they have the authority to enter court premises with the intention of arresting a suspect or accused person. The Minority Leader emphasized that the justice delivery system must be protected and that such incidents must be examined.
The incident has sparked debate about the conduct of investigative agencies in Ghana. The Minority Caucus alleged that EOCO had previously attempted to arrest Mr Antwi Boasiako after he was invited by the police. In that case, the police resisted EOCO's attempt, exercising professionalism by denying them access to the police premises. However, in the case of Mr Awuah, EOCO officials allegedly intercepted him after he left the court premises.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, emphasized that the incident was an attempt to infringe on Mr Awuah's fundamental human rights. He argued that EOCO could have adopted a more appropriate approach if it intended to arrest the MP. The Minority Caucus has called on the Chief Justice to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether such conduct by investigative agencies is permissible within court premises.
The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between investigative agencies and the judiciary. The Minority Caucus has expressed concerns about the abuse of power by EOCO and the potential undermining of the justice delivery system. The incident is currently under investigation, and it remains to be seen how it will be resolved.
Key points
- The Minority in Parliament has accused EOCO of abusing its powers following an attempted arrest of the Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the court premises.
- The incident has sparked debate about the conduct of investigative agencies in Ghana and the need for clarity on their powers.
- The Minority Caucus has called on the Chief Justice to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether such conduct by investigative agencies is permissible within court premises.
