Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has expressed concerns over the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) attempt to arrest Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. Kpebu described the incident as a setback for Ghana's democracy. He emphasized that established parliamentary procedures should have been followed before any attempt was made to arrest or compel the lawmaker to appear before investigators. According to Kpebu, the incident raises questions about the use of state institutions to intimidate opposition members.
Kpebu explained that when a sitting Member of Parliament is required to assist with an investigation, the relevant state institution should communicate with the Speaker of Parliament. The Speaker would then engage the MP and facilitate arrangements for the lawmaker to make himself available. This procedure is crucial to prevent state security agencies from being used by governments to intimidate opposition members. Kpebu's comments come after a dramatic confrontation between security personnel and lawyers at the Accra High Court Complex on September 23, 2026.
The confrontation centered around Manhyia South Member of Parliament and legal counsel for the accused, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. A physical altercation and a tense vehicle pursuit outside the court premises ensued, with videos circulating widely online. A female security officer attempted to block the MP from departing, leading to heated words and a scuffle between security operatives and members of the legal team. The MP was eventually able to drive off, with security personnel briefly pursuing his vehicle.
According to sources close to EOCO, the operation was an attempt to pick up the Manhyia South legislator over allegations that he had failed to honour formal invitations to assist with ongoing investigations. The investigations are tied to the controversial "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account. Kpebu cautioned the government to be mindful of how state institutions handle such matters, stressing that political power is temporary and governments can change.
Kpebu emphasized that the tables will always turn, and governments should be aware of how Ghanaians will react. He referenced past incidents where Ghanaians reacted against governments that misused state institutions. The lawyer's comments suggest that the incident may have significant implications for Ghana's democracy and the relationship between state institutions and lawmakers.
The incident has raised concerns about the use of state institutions to intimidate opposition members. Kpebu's criticism of EOCO's actions highlights the need for state institutions to follow established procedures when dealing with lawmakers. The incident also underscores the importance of protecting Ghana's democracy and ensuring that state institutions are not used to undermine the country's democratic processes.
The confrontation at the Accra High Court Complex has sparked a wider debate about the role of state institutions in Ghana's democracy. The incident has raised questions about the accountability of state institutions and the need for transparency in their actions. As Ghana continues to consolidate its democracy, incidents like this highlight the importance of ensuring that state institutions are used to promote the country's democratic values.
Key points
- Martin Kpebu criticizes EOCO's attempt to arrest MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, citing parliamentary procedures.
- The incident raises questions about the use of state institutions to intimidate opposition members.
- Kpebu cautions the government to be mindful of how state institutions handle matters involving lawmakers.
