Lawyer and Senior Vice-President of IMANI Ghana, Kofi Bentil, has described the arrest of Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) as a political witch-hunt. Mr Bentil argued that the action against the legislator was politically motivated. He maintained that members of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) knew that the arrest amounted to a political attack.
According to Mr Bentil, there is a consensus that the arrest was politically driven, with many people from both parties sharing this view. He questioned the charges against Mr Baffour Awuah, stating that the only information available was that he was deemed to have taken more than his proper fees from both sides. Mr Bentil made these comments during discussions on JoyNews Newsfile on Saturday, October 3.
Theophelious Dzimegah Jnr, a legal practitioner and NDC Communications Team member, disagreed with Mr Bentil's assessment. He defended EOCO, arguing that the agency was carrying out its legally mandated duties and had not violated the MP's human rights. Mr Dzimegah maintained that Mr Baffour Awuah should have submitted himself to investigators, given his connection to the law firm involved in the transactions under investigation.
The MP's arrest followed a disputed attempt to take him into custody at the Accra High Court on September 23. EOCO said the action was intended to secure his attendance after earlier invitations were not honoured. His lawyers challenged that account, saying a representative of his law firm had already engaged with investigators and provided the information requested.
Mr Baffour Awuah subsequently reported to EOCO on October 1 following a High Court arrest warrant and was placed under arrest. The investigation concerns alleged financial offences involving transactions connected to SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited. His legal team has rejected allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that the firm provided legitimate legal services.
The case has sparked a heated debate, with some arguing that EOCO is overstepping its bounds. Godfred Dame, for instance, questioned the two-night EOCO detention of Baffour Awuah over GH¢2.2m legal fees. Meanwhile, Afenyo-Markin stated that Baffour Awuah was arrested, detained, and questioned by EOCO after hours of waiting.
Baffour Awuah has since been granted bail, and his case is ongoing. Key issues in the case include the legitimacy of the legal fees charged by Baffour Awuah's law firm and whether EOCO's actions constitute an overreach of its authority.
Key points
- Kofi Bentil claims Baffour Awuah's arrest is a political witch-hunt.
- Theophelious Dzimegah Jnr defends EOCO's actions as lawful.
- The case involves alleged financial offences connected to SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited.
