“This is an abuse of power” – Minority slams EOCO over attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP

The Minority in Ghana's Parliament has criticized the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for attempting to arrest the Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the court premises. This incident occurred shortly after the MP had defended a client in court. Minority Caucus members raised concerns during a press briefing on Wednesday, September 23.

They questioned whether investigative agencies have the authority to enter court premises to arrest suspects or accused individuals. The Caucus raised concerns about the legality of investigative agencies entering courtrooms with the sole intent of apprehending suspects. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, called for the Chief Justice to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine whether such actions by investigative agencies are permissible within court premises.

The Caucus also cited a previous incident involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to highlight similar conduct by ECOO. They alleged that EOCO had attempted to arrest Mr. Antwi Boasiako after he was invited by the police, but the police resisted the attempt, preventing EOCO from gaining access to the police premises.

The Minority Leader described the latest incident involving the MP as an abuse of power, alleging that EOCO was attempting to weaponize a state institution to intimidate a citizen who is both a lawyer and a Member of Parliament. Afenyo-Markin expressed concern over the MP's fundamental human rights being infringed upon, stating that EOCO intended to abuse the MP's freedom.