New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman hopeful, John Boadu, has expressed concerns over the detention of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Mr. Boadu described the move as a usual tactic of inviting, delaying, and holding people. He made these remarks at the EOCO office on Thursday, accompanied by former Yendi MP Farouk Aliu Mahama, following Mr. Awuah's detention.
According to Mr. Boadu, the method being used by EOCO is a pre-colonial style approach. He stated that the MP will not die in EOCO's custody, adding that even if he dies there, it would be okay because the matter is not clear. Mr. Boadu questioned the need for EOCO to detain the MP, noting that he is both a lawyer and a Member of Parliament who can be invited and will make himself available at any time.
The detention of Mr. Awuah came hours after he voluntarily reported to EOCO to assist with investigations into transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans. This followed a High Court warrant authorising his arrest. The Manhyia South MP is under investigation over alleged unauthorised financial transactions at SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Ltd.
Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, stated that the investigation concerns suspected offences including financial loss, dissipation of public funds, and money laundering. Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for Mr. Baffour Awuah's immediate release while stressing that the Minority is not seeking to interfere with the investigation.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin claimed that the MP had previously referred EOCO's invitations to the Clerk of Parliament, but the agency did not recognise the correspondence. He added that the Minority's call for release does not prejudge the SIC Life Savings & Loans investigation, emphasising that no one is above the law, including EOCO.
John Boadu also mentioned that even members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are unhappy with how EOCO is handling the matter. He stated that the NDC themselves have seen and are angry with what EOCO and other institutions are putting up.
The NPP National Chairman hopeful questioned the basis of EOCO's probe into the SIC Life settlement involving Mr. Baffour Awuah. The MP's detention has sparked controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of EOCO's actions.
Key points
- John Boadu criticizes EOCO's detention of MP Baffour Awuah as a pre-colonial style approach.
- The MP is under investigation over alleged unauthorised financial transactions at SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Ltd.
- Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin calls for Mr. Baffour Awuah's immediate release.
