Member of Parliament for South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has stated that parliamentary leaders will resist attempts by law enforcement agencies to bypass established protocols for arresting MPs. This follows an incident where personnel from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah within the precincts of the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23.
According to Dafeamekpor, any move to arrest a sitting MP should first be channelled through the Speaker of Parliament, citing Article 117 of the Constitution and the current procedure followed in such cases. He emphasized that as leaders in Parliament, they would resist any attempt to breach the established protocol and the cordial relationship that exists between Parliament and other institutions of state, including EOCO.
The incident occurred while Parliament was hosting an ECOWAS Parliament conference in Accra, which Dafeamekpor described as particularly concerning. He argued that procedural disputes could affect Ghana's image at home and abroad. The MP stressed that any allegation against Baffour Awuah could be pursued, but the process must follow the procedure he believes applies to MPs.
Dafeamekpor's comments reflect a broader concern about the relationship between Parliament and law enforcement agencies. The Minority Leader has also outlined the procedure for security agencies seeking to arrest MPs, emphasizing the need for due process and respect for parliamentary protocols.
The EOCO's attempt to arrest Baffour Awuah has sparked controversy, with the Interior Ministry spokesperson suggesting that pursuing the MP through Parliament would have made the arrest process more decorous. Baffour Awuah's lawyers have disputed EOCO's claim over February invitations, adding to the controversy surrounding the incident.
The incident has raised questions about the balance between parliamentary immunity and the need for law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties. As the ECOWAS Parliament conference continues in Accra, the incident is likely to be discussed in the context of regional parliamentary cooperation and the importance of respecting institutional protocols.
Key to resolving the issue lies in the adherence to established protocols and the Constitution. Dafeamekpor's assertion that EOCO must go through the Speaker before seeking to arrest Baffour Awuah underscores the importance of following due process. The incident highlights the need for clarity and cooperation between Parliament and law enforcement agencies in Ghana.
Key points
- Parliament will resist attempts by law enforcement agencies to bypass established protocols for arresting MPs.
- The incident occurred while Parliament was hosting an ECOWAS Parliament conference in Accra.
- Dafeamekpor emphasized that any move to arrest a sitting MP should first be channelled through the Speaker of Parliament, citing Article 117 of the Constitution.
