Pursue drug barons and galamsey networks not political opponents – Afenyo-Markin to EOCO

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to intensify its efforts in targeting the financiers and organizers behind drug trafficking networks linked to Ghana, while criticizing the agency's focus on opposition figures. In a Facebook post on October 1, the Effutu MP questioned the agency's handling of the arrest and investigation of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, alleging that EOCO's actions might be part of a strategy to silence critical opposition voices.

Afenyo-Markin's comments came after Awuah appeared at EOCO on the same day, alongside his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, and other MPs, in response to a warrant issued by the Accra High Court for his arrest and document searches related to the investigation. The Minority Leader emphasized that his party is not attempting to interfere with the SIC Life Savings & Loans investigation but expressed concerns over the circumstances surrounding the warrant and Awuah's treatment.

He claimed that Awuah had previously referred EOCO's invitations to the Clerk of Parliament, but the agency disregarded the correspondence. Additionally, Afenyo-Markin questioned whether EOCO had communicated with the Speaker of Parliament before obtaining the arrest warrant, suggesting that there was no evidence of such an engagement.

He argued that EOCO's assertion of having exhausted reasonable means to secure Awuah's attendance appeared to be based on false premises. Afenyo-Markin's statements contribute to the Minority Party's growing concerns about the handling of the case, and his demand for EOCO to focus on drug trafficking financiers and organizers extends his criticism to the agency's broader priorities.

The allegations regarding EOCO's conduct and Awuah's treatment are still unproven claims by the Minority Leader. The investigation into Awuah is still ongoing.