Alexander Afenyo-Markin, flanked by other MPs, addressing the media in Parliament
The Minority in Parliament has urged President John Dramani Mahama to call officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to order after accusing the state anti-graft agency of abusing its powers following its attempt to arrest the Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, on court premises yesterday.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said the incident raised serious concerns about the conduct of investigative agencies within court premises and called on the Chief Justice to examine whether such agencies were permitted to enter court premises for the purpose of arresting suspects or accused persons.
According to him, the MP, who is a lawyer, had gone to court to represent his client and was confronted by EOCO officers shortly after leaving the courtroom.
“The issue of arrest of persons on court premises – this matter, I think, should attract the attention of the Honourable Chief Justice,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said at a press briefing in Parliament.
He said the action amounted to an abuse of power and accused the state institution of attempting to undermine and intimidate a citizen who was both a lawyer and a legislator.
The Minority Leader said the caucus had listened to the account given by the MP and had no doubt that EOCO was “on a path to abuse his rights” and fundamental right to freedom.
He maintained that the Minority was not opposed to accountability or the lawful work of state institutions, but insisted that such institutions must operate within the law.
“We are not against accountability. We always say that we are not against any state institution going about its lawful duty, as enshrined in any enactment or the Constitution,” he said.
“But what we are saying is that a state institution must be seen to be doing its work lawfully,” he stressed.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin further asserted that EOCO had gained notoriety for abusing its mandate, and urged President John Dramani Mahama to bring his appointees to order.
He also appealed to the President to reflect on his legacy, saying the President had about two years left in office and would ultimately be judged by how he managed such issues.
“Mr. President, reflect on your legacy,” he said, and added, “Enough. Bring your appointees to order. Call them to order. This is not the Ghana we want.”
For his part, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah narrated that he was at court yesterday representing Salomey Awiti Bafoh, a nurse and head of emergency medicine at Abrefi Hospital in Techiman, in a case involving her fundamental human rights.
He said after the court proceedings, which had been adjourned to the following day, he went to the foyer to address the press.
According to him, after speaking to the media, a woman approached him, touched his hand and told him to accompany her because he was required at EOCO.
He said when he questioned the woman about the invitation, she claimed he had previously been invited but had failed to honour it.
Nana Awuah said he told her he was prepared to follow her to EOCO in his own vehicle, but she allegedly insisted that she would forcibly take him into an EOCO vehicle.
He said he subsequently asked the woman to identify herself as an EOCO official and produce an arrest warrant, but she failed to provide either.
“At that point, I needed to defend and protect myself for the benefit of the good people of Manhyia South, who I serve, the Minority Caucus, my children and my whole family,” he stated.
He said he consequently drove away from the court premises to safety before proceeding to Parliament, where he was required to undertake committee work.
Nana Awuah said the incident occurred while he was returning to Parliament, and thanked members of the Minority Caucus for their solidarity.
He also linked the incident to the broader concerns surrounding the treatment of persons by state authorities.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House