Lawyer Martin Kpebu has expressed concerns over the detention of Baffour Awuah by EOCO, stating that it is unnecessary and only serves as a show of force. According to Kpebu, personal liberties are priceless, and keeping an MP who has been aware of the case since February in custody is unjustifiable. He made these comments on the Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, October 3.
Kpebu further criticized EOCO's handling of the matter, stating that the office made a mistake in its approach. He argued that keeping Baffour Awuah in custody does not help EOCO's case, especially since the MP has been aware of the case since February and did not abscond. Kpebu emphasized that the Supreme Court has ruled that every offense is bailable, making the detention even more questionable.
EOCO has stated that Baffour Awuah will be put before a weekend court and is working with the Office of the Attorney-General to meet constitutional timelines. According to EOCO, Baffour Awuah voluntarily surrendered on October 1 and has been cooperating with the office to continue with the necessary investigative processes and procedures.
The office also dismissed claims that Baffour Awuah has been granted bail, stating that media reports of a GH₵50 million bail are false. EOCO emphasized that it is working to bring the suspect before a weekend court, mindful of the applicable constitutional timeframes and procedural requirements governing bail.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin visited Baffour Awuah on October 2 and likened the conduct of the NDC Government to a police officer determined to arrest a driver at all costs. He accused the government of perpetuating a cycle of political witch-hunting and using corruption tags to silence critics, including social media activists.
Afenyo-Markin also called on NPP members to stay united and focused on the party's future, urging them to seize the opportunity and stay committed to the cause of the party. He challenged the NDC to point to a defining legacy project of President John Dramani Mahama by 2028, expressing sadness that the NDC may not have a significant achievement to showcase.
Baffour Awuah remains in custody, with his situation sparking concerns about the government's approach to handling opposition members. The incident has raised questions about the use of detention as a tool for political leverage and the impact on Ghana's democratic processes.
Key points
- Lawyer Martin Kpebu has criticized EOCO's detention of Baffour Awuah, calling it unnecessary and a show of force.
- EOCO has dismissed claims that Baffour Awuah has been granted bail, stating that media reports of a GH₵50 million bail are false.
- Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the government of perpetuating a cycle of political witch-hunting and using corruption tags to silence critics.
