Ghana's immediate past Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has made serious accusations against the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and the current Attorney-General. He claims these institutions have sunk to the lowest point in law enforcement by weaponizing state power against political opponents. In a statement on October 3, 2026, Dame described their actions as a gross exploitation of their powers.
Dame's accusations come amid the detention of Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is being investigated by EOCO for alleged criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering, and tax offences. EOCO claims the MP is cooperating voluntarily, but Dame questions why Baffour Awuah has spent two nights in custody without bail. He notes that the MP earned GH¢2.2 million in legal fees from the transaction under investigation.
The case has sparked controversy, with Dame contrasting it with those of former ministers and MPs under earlier administrations. He cites Alhaji Collins Dauda, Cassiel Ato Forson, and Dr Dominic Ayine, who were granted self-recognisance bail and never spent a day in custody despite facing allegations involving larger sums. Dame's statement has added fuel to a saga that has played out publicly for weeks, involving an airport arrest, a courthouse standoff, and a complaint filed by an NPP lawyer.
EOCO has repeatedly rejected suggestions that its work is politically motivated, stating that its investigation into the matter is being conducted professionally and impartially. The agency is reviewing video evidence relevant to the case. The row has also drawn in two other figures: suspect Gerald Appiah, who has begun voluntarily refunding funds, and Dennis Aboagye, who was arrested at Kotoka International Airport in July 2026.
Dame also accused investigative bodies of neglecting organised crime, including the narcotics trade, while directing their energies at political opponents and suppressing free speech. He described the deployment of state power to settle scores and punish political opponents as the lowest point of law enforcement.
The sources do not indicate whether Baffour Awuah has since been granted bail, charged in court, or whether EOCO or the Attorney-General's office intends to respond to Dame's allegations. No court date or formal timeline has been disclosed for the next steps in either the MP's case or the related Appiah and Aboagye matters.
The controversy highlights the challenges facing Ghana's law enforcement institutions and the need for impartiality in their operations. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to Dame's allegations and the concerns of the public.
Key points
- Godfred Dame accuses EOCO and CID of politicizing law enforcement.
- The detention of MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has sparked controversy.
- Dame claims law enforcement has sunk to its lowest point under the current administration.
