The Minority in Parliament has expressed concern over the reported attempt by Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) officials to arrest Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23. The incident occurred while the MP was attending proceedings related to the bail application of social commentator Salomey Baffoe. Nana Baffour Awuah, also representing Ms Baffoe as her lawyer, faced a charge of abetment of crime linked to the alleged publication of false information related to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
According to reports from the court premises, EOCO officials attempted to take the legislator into custody, although the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether he had been formally invited by EOCO and the legal basis for the intended arrest, were not immediately clear. The situation escalated outside the court, with videos circulating showing an exchange between Nana Baffour Awuah and a woman identified as an EOCO official before a scuffle reportedly broke out as the MP attempted to leave in his vehicle.
At a press conference on Wednesday, September 23, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticized what he described as excesses by the government and called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that state institutions carried out their mandates within the law. He urged the President to reflect on his legacy, with almost two years left in office, and consider the impact of such actions on the country.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Minority is not against accountability or state institutions performing their lawful duties as enshrined in any enactment or the Constitution. However, he stressed that state institutions must be seen to be doing their work lawfully. The Minority Leader's comments highlight concerns about the potential misuse of power by state institutions and the need for them to operate within the bounds of the law.
The incident has raised questions about the relationship between state institutions and the legislature, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. The Minority's call for President Mahama to call his appointees to order suggests a desire to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that state institutions respect the rights of lawmakers.
The EOCO incident has sparked a wider debate about the balance between accountability and the rule of law in Ghana. While the country has made significant progress in strengthening its democratic institutions, incidents like this highlight the need for continued vigilance to prevent the abuse of power. The Minority's statement is a reminder that state institutions must be accountable to the people and operate within the law.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how President Mahama will respond to the Minority's call to action. The incident has significant implications for the country's democratic development, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government addresses concerns about the conduct of state institutions like EOCO. The key points to note are:
Key points
- The Minority in Parliament has urged President Mahama to call EOCO officials to order following the reported attempt to arrest MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
- The incident has raised concerns about the relationship between state institutions and the legislature, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections.
- The Minority's call for President Mahama to act highlights the need for state institutions to operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of lawmakers.
