Minority slams EOCO’s handling of attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah

The Minority in Parliament has criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over its handling of an attempted arrest of the Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, September 23, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said the Minority Caucus had listened to the MP’s account and was concerned about the approach adopted by the state investigative agency.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest suggested that EOCO was heading towards an abuse of its powers.

“There is no doubt on our mind that EOCO was on a path to abuse his right.”

He argued that the matter could have been handled through a more measured approach if EOCO genuinely intended to act in good faith.

“If indeed EOCO meant well and wanted to act in good faith, they could have adopted some other well humane approach rather than creating the scene.”

Afenyo-Markin described the development as unfortunate, particularly because the person involved is a lawyer and a sitting Member of Parliament.

“What is happening today amount to abuse of power, weaponizing a state institution to undermine, abuse, intimidate a citizen who is a lawyer and a member of parliament.”

The comments come after EOCO attempted to arrest the Manhyia South MP, prompting the Minority Caucus to raise concerns about the manner in which the agency exercised its powers.

The incident has also brought renewed attention to the conduct of state investigative institutions when exercising their enforcement powers against public officials and other citizens.

The Minority maintains that while state agencies have a mandate to investigate suspected wrongdoing, such powers must be exercised within the law and in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of individuals.

Afenyo-Markin said the Minority had taken note of the MP’s account and remained concerned about the circumstances surrounding EOCO’s actions.