The Ghanaian government has denied allegations that an Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) officer attempted to kidnap Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that the officer was lawfully executing an arrest. According to Kwakye Ofosu, the EOCO officer displayed politeness and civility towards the MP during the confrontation. The incident was captured on video and has sparked controversy.
Kwakye Ofosu appeared on Joy News' PM Express and provided details about the incident. He described the EOCO officer as a legitimate law enforcement officer on assignment. The officer had been with the service for about 17 years and was part of a surveillance team tasked with apprehending the MP. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the officer did not pose a threat to the MP and was essentially asking him to cooperate.
The government spokesperson revealed that EOCO had a tactical team available to forcefully apprehend the MP if necessary. However, the team decided against using force after assessing the situation and determining that it could escalate tensions. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged that the manner and timing of the attempted arrest could be questioned but rejected attempts to blame the incident on the government.
Kwakye Ofosu challenged the argument that parliamentary status should shield MPs from law enforcement. He insisted that law enforcement agencies do not need presidential permission to arrest suspects. The government spokesperson emphasized that there should be no difference between a citizen and an MP when it comes to law enforcement. He cited his own parliamentary status as an example, stating that it should not protect him from lawful action.
However, Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged the legal protection covering MPs while traveling to and from Parliament. He noted that the law states that MPs cannot be apprehended while on their way to or from Parliament. The government spokesperson's comments come amid criticism of the EOCO's actions and concerns about the rule of law.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the powers of law enforcement agencies and the privileges of MPs. Baffour Awuah has accused EOCO boss Raymond Archer of abusing state power. In response, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that MPs should not receive special treatment and that the rule of law must be upheld.
The controversy surrounding the EOCO's actions has prompted calls for calm and an investigation into the incident. Key stakeholders, including the Ghana Bar Association, have condemned the EOCO's actions and emphasized the need to protect the rule of law.
Key points
- Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu rejects claims of attempted kidnapping of MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by EOCO officer.
- EOCO officer was lawfully executing an arrest, according to Kwakye Ofosu.
- The incident has sparked a debate about the powers of law enforcement agencies and the privileges of MPs.
