Director of Legal Affairs for the United Party (UP), Andrew Appiah Danquah, has expressed concerns that Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah may have worsened his situation by allegedly ignoring invitations from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Appiah Danquah made these comments on Accra-based Channel One TV's Breakfast Daily programme on Thursday, October 1. He emphasized that although a person has the right to decline an invitation from an investigative agency, doing so could lead to the agency seeking a court order to secure their attendance.
According to Appiah Danquah, if a law enforcement agency invites an individual to aid in their investigation, it is advisable to cooperate. He questioned why Baffour Awuah would refuse to respond to EOCO's invitation, especially in a matter related to alleged financial irregularities. Appiah Danquah's comments come after the High Court issued a warrant authorising EOCO to arrest the Manhyia South MP. The court was informed that EOCO's officers had exhausted reasonable means of securing Baffour Awuah's voluntary attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation.
EOCO is investigating alleged financial irregularities involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited. The office claims it invited Baffour Awuah twice in February to assist with the investigation in his capacity as Senior Partner of Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners, a law firm engaged by SIC Life to recover funds. However, Baffour Awuah disputes EOCO's account, stating that the February correspondence was addressed to the Senior Partner of his law firm in relation to the firm's client, SIC Life.
Baffour Awuah's representatives allegedly engaged EOCO on March 4, March 18, and April 30, and submitted a written statement on April 30. Despite this, Appiah Danquah believes that cooperating with the investigators could have allowed Baffour Awuah to present his side of the matter without creating the circumstances that led to the warrant. He advises that if an individual believes they will ultimately be vindicated, they should cooperate with investigators to avoid further complications.
The High Court's decision to issue a warrant for Baffour Awuah's arrest came after EOCO told the court that it had exhausted all reasonable means of securing his attendance. The court was informed that Baffour Awuah's cooperation was essential to the investigation, and his absence was hindering the probe. Appiah Danquah's comments suggest that Baffour Awuah's alleged refusal to respond to EOCO's invitation may have contributed to the court's decision.
Appiah Danquah's advice to Baffour Awuah is to cooperate with investigators, especially if he believes he will be vindicated. He emphasizes that showing up to aid in the investigation can help present one's side of the matter and avoid further complications. By not responding to EOCO's invitation, Baffour Awuah may have created a more challenging situation for himself.
The case involving Baffour Awuah and EOCO is ongoing, with the MP disputing the allegations of financial irregularities. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the matter will unfold. Key points in the case include Baffour Awuah's alleged refusal to respond to EOCO's invitation, the High Court's decision to issue a warrant for his arrest, and Appiah Danquah's advice to cooperate with investigators.
Key points
- Baffour Awuah's alleged refusal to respond to EOCO's invitation may have worsened his situation.
- The High Court issued a warrant for Baffour Awuah's arrest after EOCO claimed it had exhausted reasonable means of securing his attendance.
- Appiah Danquah advises cooperating with investigators to avoid further complications.
