{
  "id": 9352665,
  "title": "'It’s a retrogression in our quest for a better democracy’ - Kpebu on EOCO attempt to arrest Baffour Awuah",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/its-a-retrogression-in-our-quest-for-a-better-democracy-kpebu-on-eoco",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T14:53:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "3News",
    "slug": "3news",
    "url": "https://3news.com/news/its-a-retrogression-in-our-quest-for-a-better-democracy-kpebu-on-eocos-attempted-arrest-of-baffour-awuah"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Renowned private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has vehemently criticized the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) attempt to arrest Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. Kpebu believes this action represents a retrogression for Ghana's democracy, calling for the adherence to established parliamentary procedures in such matters. \"It's a retrogression in our quest for a better democracy. It's a retrogression,\" Kpebu emphasized during an interview with journalists at the court premises on September 23, 2026.\n\nKpebu explained that when a sitting Member of Parliament is required to assist with an investigation, the appropriate procedure involves communication between the relevant state institution and the Speaker of Parliament. The Speaker would then engage the MP, facilitating arrangements for the lawmaker to appear before investigators. This process is crucial to prevent state security agencies from being utilized by governments to intimidate opposition members, according to Kpebu.\n\nThe lawyer cautioned the government to be mindful of how state institutions handle such situations, stressing that political power is temporary and governments can change. \"This is our democracy; no party can stay in office forever. So, the tables will always turn,\" he cautioned. Kpebu added that the opposition NDC should learn from past mistakes, as they may face similar backlash from Ghanaians.",
  "summary": "Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, describing the incident as a \"retrogression\" for Ghana’s democracy.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kpebu criticizes EOCO's attempt to arrest Baffour Awuah",
    "Retrogression in Ghana's democracy, Kpebu asserts",
    "Proper procedure involves Speaker's mediation, Kpebu explains"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}