Attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP in that manner a retrogression in Ghana’s democracy – Martin Kpebu

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticized the alleged attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by security personnel from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the Accra High Court as a "retrogression" in Ghana's democratic progress. This confrontation occurred on September 23 at the Accra High Court, where lawyers representing detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti faced off with security personnel, believed to be EOCO officers.

In a viral video, a woman purportedly an EOCO officer stands at the car door as MP Awuah tries to enter, leading to a brief altercation. A larger man then assists with the car door, enabling the MP to depart.

Kpebu asserts that this approach to arresting an MP is a setback for democratic ideals, emphasizing the need for proper parliamentary protocol when involving a legislator. According to the law, the Speaker of Parliament should be notified, who would then coordinate with the MP and facilitate his appearance at a convenient time. Kpebu referenced past Speaker Mike Oquaye's practice of arranging for police to meet MPs within Parliament, rather than forcibly removing them.

He asserts that political parties in power must be cautious about leveraging state institutions against opposition members, as political power is fluid and can shift.

These remarks come as lawyers for Salomey Baffoe Awiti push for her release following her two-week remand in connection with the case involving a "Ghana Jollof TikTok" account. The High Court has adjourned the bail hearing to September 24, pending the prosecution's response to the defense's application for additional time.