Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has weighed in on the detention of his colleague, Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Oppong Nkrumah believes the detention is aimed at showing Baffour Awuah "where power lies" after he resisted what was described as an unlawful arrest. This statement was made during an interview with JoyNews' Kwaku Asante on the sidelines of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) National Delegates Conference in Kumasi.
Oppong Nkrumah questions the circumstances surrounding Baffour Awuah's detention and subsequent court proceedings. He argues that the purpose of bail proceedings is to determine whether a suspect's liberty could affect the investigative or judicial process. According to him, the focus should not be on the state's power to detain a suspect for 48 hours but rather on whether the person is likely to appear before investigators and the court, interfere with investigations, or pose a flight risk.
The MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi further alleged that the powers of the state are being used inappropriately in Baffour Awuah's case. He stated that the issue at hand is not about the substantive issue or the fact that the state has power or not, but rather about showing Baffour Awuah where power lies. Oppong Nkrumah's comments suggest that the detention is more about asserting authority than following due process.
Oppong Nkrumah's concerns extend beyond the individual case, as he emphasized that state institutions must exercise their powers within the law. He referenced concerns raised by some government officials and parliamentarians about the use of state power, describing the approach as the "weaponisation" of state powers. This criticism implies that the use of state power is being used to intimidate or influence certain individuals.
Baffour Awuah is under investigation by EOCO over alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited. Oppong Nkrumah maintained that the investigation itself should be distinguished from the manner in which the suspect's liberty is restricted. He insisted that due process must guide the actions of state institutions, ensuring that the rights of suspects are protected.
The NPP's National Delegates Conference, where Oppong Nkrumah made these comments, is currently underway at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The conference brings together party members to discuss and decide on key issues affecting the party. Oppong Nkrumah's statements are likely to generate further debate among party members and the wider public.
Baffour Awuah was granted bail after his detention, and the case is ongoing. The MP has expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their support and described the case as a "witch hunt." The incident has sparked concerns about the use of state power and the protection of individual rights in Ghana.
Key points
- Oppong Nkrumah criticizes EOCO's detention of Baffour Awuah as an attempt to show him "where power lies."
- The MP argues that state institutions must exercise their powers within the law and respect due process.
- Baffour Awuah is under investigation by EOCO over alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited.
