Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner and ardent supporter of Ghana's National Democratic Congress (NDC), has publicly criticized the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) handling of the case against Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. In an interview with MyJoyOnline, Kpebu expressed disappointment in what he termed as the misuse of legal authority by some NDC appointees. He stated that he did not campaign for the NDC to engage in such actions, which he described as "nonsense."
Kpebu's criticism is notable as it comes from a voice generally sympathetic to the NDC. He recalled his past experiences campaigning for the party and the hardships faced during the previous administration of Nana Akufo-Addo. Kpebu lamented that the party he fought for was now misusing the power it had been handed. His comments mark one of the few instances of a government-aligned legal figure publicly criticizing the conduct of the party's own law enforcement appointees.
The controversy surrounding EOCO's pursuit of Baffour Awuah culminated in a tense standoff before he was eventually freed on GH₵10 million bail after pleading not guilty to three charges brought by the office. The episode drew sharp criticism from NPP figures and press freedom advocates, who accused EOCO of overreach in its attempt to arrest the sitting MP. Manhyia South NPP officials had earlier demanded a public apology from EOCO over what they described as a botched attempt to detain him.
Kpebu warned that EOCO's handling of such cases could carry consequences at the ballot box, arguing that the agency's conduct risked contributing to the NDC losing power in the 2028 general election. His remarks suggest that the fallout from the Baffour Awuah case is not confined to the usual partisan lines, with even party sympathizers questioning whether the agency's conduct is damaging public confidence in the NDC administration.
The dispute highlights ongoing questions about how state investigative bodies like EOCO exercise their powers against sitting lawmakers and other public figures. A lawyer raised concerns about EOCO's broader investigative practices in the case, warning that the agency's habit of turning routine police invitations into arrests was scaring off potential witnesses who might otherwise come forward to assist investigations.
Kpebu's intervention has been seen as a rare crack in the governing party's base. His comments have sparked discussions about the limits of state investigative bodies and the need for accountability. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential impact on public trust in state institutions.
The MyJoyOnline report did not indicate whether EOCO or NDC party officials have responded to Kpebu's comments, and no timeline has been given for any further action on the matter. The issue remains a topic of discussion in Ghana's political landscape, with many watching to see how it will unfold and what implications it may have for the NDC and EOCO.
Key points
- NDC lawyer Martin Kpebu criticizes EOCO's handling of the Baffour Awuah case.
- Kpebu warns that EOCO's actions could cost the NDC votes in 2028.
- The incident raises concerns about state investigative bodies' exercise of power and accountability.
