Manhyia South MP disputes EOCO account over alleged attempted arrest

Julius Kwame Anthony, the press secretary and spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, argued that the arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah could have been conducted in a more dignified manner through Parliament. Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Anthony stated that while the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) holds the legal authority to arrest suspects with a warrant, the MP's status should have influenced the process.

He explained that in cases involving MPs, notice should be given to the Speaker of Parliament to ensure their release.

Anthony noted that Parliament is currently on recess, which might raise questions about whether the MP would have been protected under arrest provisions while traveling to or from Parliament. He expressed concern that being a member of Parliament could have led to a more decorous arrest process through the Speaker. "If fidelity would be paid to the law, my general knowledge on how members of Parliament are supposed to be arrested is that notice is supposed to be given to the Speaker of Parliament to secure their release," Anthony said.

He further believed the situation could have been handled differently, especially given that Mr. Awuah is a well-known public figure who could be easily located if necessary. "I think this could have been done better. I genuinely think that the EOCO official was at serious risk, which is avoidable. I mean, Baffour Awuah is a known face. He could be traced and arrested," Anthony added.

Anthony also criticized similar tactics used against MPs in the past, recalling the case of Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu during the previous NPP administration. He expressed dissatisfaction with the NPP government's conduct in pursuing Sosu in a similar manner. "I was personally not happy when the New Patriotic Party government then was chasing the Honourable Sosu around in a similar manner. I do not think that such conduct should be permitted," he remarked.

His remarks come in response to an alleged attempt to arrest Mr. Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court, where he was appearing as counsel for detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti.