The Ashanti Regional Secretariat of Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) continuous detention of Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Lawyer Baffour Awuah. In a statement released on October 2, 2026, the party described the detention as reprehensible and an affront to the rule of law. This development has sparked concerns about the use of investigative bodies to harass opposition elements.
According to the NPP, Lawyer Baffour Awuah's overnight detention was needless and an affront to the rule of law, especially given that he has not been found guilty of any charges leveled against him by EOCO. The party's regional executive and members in the Ashanti region expressed concern about EOCO's handling of the case involving the legislator. They emphasized that investigations must adhere to constitutional limits and principles of natural justice.
The NPP reminded President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government that the path being charted by state security agencies is dangerous for Ghana's democracy. The party cautioned that using state power to intimidate political opponents threatens national cohesion and sets a dangerous precedent. They urged the President to be cautious about the manner in which investigative bodies are being used.
The NPP's statement was signed by Dr. Francis Adomako, Ashanti Regional Secretary of NPP, and issued in Kumasi. The party recognized EOCO's mandate to investigate matters concerning national security and public conduct but stressed that this must be done within constitutional limits. They expressed concern about the treatment of Lawyer Baffour Awuah, who was subjected to humiliation after voluntarily presenting himself upon learning of an arrest warrant.
Some constituents in the Manhyia South constituency in Kumasi have expressed concern about the continued detention of their MP. They believe the detention aims to intimidate the MP and prevent him from undertaking his duties as a lawyer and legislator. The constituents described the incarceration as politically motivated and an attempt to silence him from expressing his opinion on national issues.
The constituents called on EOCO not to chart a path that could trigger political tension in the country. They stated that the people in the constituency are solidly behind the MP and would not be intimidated by the government's attempt to silence him. The NPP has appealed to Civil Society Organisations, the Clergy, and the Ghana Bar Association to condemn the abuse of power before it escalates political tensions.
The detention of Lawyer Baffour Awuah has sparked a strong reaction from the NPP and his constituents. The party has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take a cautious approach to the use of investigative bodies. The constituents have expressed solidarity with their MP, who they believe is being targeted for his political views.
Key points
- The NPP has condemned EOCO's detention of Manhyia South MP Baffour Awuah as reprehensible and an affront to the rule of law.
- The party has urged President John Dramani Mahama to be cautious about the use of investigative bodies to harass opposition elements.
- Constituents have expressed concern about the politically motivated detention of their MP, describing it as an attempt to silence him.
