The Minority in Parliament has accused the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of abusing its powers following an alleged attempt to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said EOCO officials allegedly approached the lawmaker shortly after he appeared in court as a lawyer representing a client and attempted to take him into custody.
The incident has sparked concerns within Parliament over the conduct of investigative agencies in Ghana and whether such agencies have the authority to enter court premises to arrest suspects or accused persons.
Minority Calls for Chief Justice to Examine EOCO Arrest Powers
The Minority Caucus has called on the Chief Justice of Ghana to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and clarify the legal position regarding arrests within court premises.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the judiciary should determine whether EOCO or other investigative agencies are permitted to enter a court complex for the specific purpose of arresting a suspect or accused person.
“I think the justice delivery system – our Chief Justice must look at this, whether or not EOCO or any investigating agency is allowed to enter court premises with the sole aim of accosting a suspect or an accused person.”
The Minority Leader said the matter should be examined within the broader context of Ghana’s justice delivery system, judicial independence and the rights of individuals involved in criminal investigations.
Afenyo-Markin Cites Previous EOCO Incident
Afenyo-Markin also referred to an earlier incident involving former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
He claimed that the previous case also raised concerns about the manner in which EOCO officials handled an attempted arrest.
The Minority Leader described the latest incident involving the Manhyia South MP as an alleged abuse of state power, arguing that the actions attributed to EOCO could intimidate the lawmaker and potentially undermine his fundamental rights.
He further argued that if EOCO wanted to arrest the MP as part of an investigation, the agency could have adopted what he described as a more appropriate and humane approach.
“If indeed EOCO meant well and wanted to act in good faith, they could have adopted some other more humane approach rather than creating the scene,” Afenyo-Markin said.
EOCO Explains Attempted Arrest of Manhyia South MP
Meanwhile, EOCO has provided its account of the attempted arrest, stating that its officers were acting as part of an ongoing investigation.
In a statement, the anti-corruption and economic crime agency said its officers were carrying out their duties in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
EOCO explained that it had previously invited Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with an investigation. According to the agency, the invitations were not honoured.
The Office said it subsequently took steps to secure the MP’s attendance in accordance with the law.
“The Office has since taken steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law and the attempted arrest today represents one of the lawful steps,” EOCO stated.
The development has brought renewed attention to the balance between law enforcement powers, parliamentary privileges, judicial proceedings and the rights of individuals under investigation in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com