Why Keep MP After Voluntary Appearance? – Parliament To EOCO

Parliament has expressed concerns over the continued detention of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, deemed the situation a serious matter concerning the MP's constitutional rights and legislative independence. While MPs are accountable for their actions, Parliament stressed the importance of clear legal justification for his detention after he voluntarily reported to ECOO.

Speaker Bagbin admitted that he had not reviewed the terms of the High Court warrant directing ECOO to enforce it. The statement highlighted that once the MP voluntarily presented himself and cooperated with investigators, any decision to continue holding him must have a strong legal basis and demonstrate necessity. If a warrant required the MP to appear before the High Court, Parliament stated that every reasonable effort should have been made to bring him there as soon as possible.

Parliament plans to examine constitutional and statutory procedures for arresting, detaining, and prosecuting sitting MPs, potentially proposing legislation to clarify existing safeguards. This follows previous incidents involving the arrest, detention, and prosecution of elected representatives since the Second Parliament of the Fourth Republic, underscoring the need for greater clarity in interactions between investigative authorities and Parliament.

State institutions were urged to use coercive powers responsibly, fairly, and with respect for constitutional rights. Speaker Bagbin reiterated that a political opponent is not a political enemy, warning against defending questionable conduct due to similar actions under a previous administration. Parliament emphasized handling the matter according to the Constitution, law, and court orders, while ensuring the MP's rights and the effective functioning of the legislature were respected.