Ghana's Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the government and security agencies of misusing arrest and prosecution to intimidate political opponents and suppress free expression. He made this statement in response to the arrest and detention of the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Afenyo-Markin urged the security agencies to stop this practice and focus on investigating narcotics and illegal mining networks.
The arrest of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah followed a search of his office by EOCO officials. According to EOCO, the legislator was arrested upon surrendering himself to the anti-graft agency. EOCO stated that it would continue to pursue all relevant lines of inquiry, examine available evidence, and afford all persons involved their rights under the Constitution and applicable laws. However, Afenyo-Markin demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah from EOCO custody.
Afenyo-Markin's statement expressed concerns about the government's priorities, suggesting that it is more focused on optics and sensitive to criticism than tackling pressing issues. He cited the significant amount of cocaine seized in Ghana, with 11 cocaine cases recorded in 28 drug busts since March 2025, valued at $1.7 billion. The Minority Leader argued that the government should demonstrate equal determination in fighting drug barons and pursuing those involved in illegal mining.
The MP for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, was arrested on September 23 after arguing a bail application for a detained nurse. According to his account, no warrant or identification was produced during the arrest. A warrant was obtained a week later, with the court directing that it be executed through the Speaker of Parliament. Hon. Baffour Awuah claims he referred EOCO's February invitations to the Clerk of Parliament, but EOCO refused to recognise correspondence from the Clerk.
Afenyo-Markin also highlighted the surge in illegal mining and its environmental and livelihood impacts. He noted that the President has acknowledged that people associated with his administration are involved in illegal mining and that there are "big fish who never get caught". The Minority Leader questioned the status of a July 2025 directive to investigate two NDC officials over illegal-mining allegations.
The Minority Leader called for a credible war on the drug trade, with EOCO and NACOC collaborating to follow the money, trace assets, and pursue kingpins. He emphasized that the use of investigative power must serve the public interest and be exercised fairly, regardless of political affiliation. Afenyo-Markin also urged EOCO's leadership to recognize that power is transient and that public authority carries responsibility and accountability.
Afenyo-Markin's statement concluded with three demands: the immediate and unconditional release of Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah from EOCO custody, an end to the misuse of arrest and prosecution to intimidate political opponents, and vigorous investigations into narcotics and galamsey networks. The Minority Leader's comments reflect concerns about the government's approach to law enforcement and its impact on the country's democratic processes.
Key points
- The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, criticizes the government for misusing arrest and prosecution to intimidate political opponents.
- Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the MP for Manhyia South, was arrested and detained by EOCO.
- Afenyo-Markin demands the release of Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah and calls for a credible war on the drug trade.
