Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Tensions flared in Parliament yesterday as the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, attempted to raise concerns over the two-week detention of former National Food Buffer Stock Company Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abdul-Wahab Hannan, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Mr. Hannan, who was arrested on June 25 alongside his wife over allegations of financial misconduct, was finally granted bail on Monday after spending 14 days in EOCO custody.
He was released on a GH¢60 million bail with two sureties, following public concern and parliamentary interest in his continued detention, despite reports that he had earlier satisfied bail conditions. His wife, who was also arrested, was released last week on GH¢30 million bail.
On the floor of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin questioned the rationale behind Mr. Hannan’s extended detention, suggesting a possible violation of his fundamental human rights.
“Mr. Speaker, he’s been arrested by EOCO for 14 days,” the Minority Leader stated and added, “I sought your leave to raise this matter because it’s important we reflect on how state institutions exercise their powers.”
The issue quickly sparked a partisan dispute. The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, strongly objected, cautioning against the use of Parliament to, in his words, “intimidate” the executive or investigative bodies carrying out their lawful duties.
“I have a problem when this House is used as a platform to pressure executive agencies,” Mr. Ayariga said, indicating, “The Constitution clearly outlines the remedies – those who feel wronged should go to court or file complaints with the Human Rights Committee of Parliament.”
This position drew swift rebuttal from the Minority side. The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, accused the Majority Leader of attempting to silence legitimate parliamentary oversight.
“You cannot introduce a strange belief that representatives of the people can no longer raise such concerns,” he argued, intimating, “If he wants a debate, we are ready to meet him on this matter.”
The First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, intervened to restore order, reminding both sides of their conduct.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” the First Deputy Speaker remarked.
The Minority Leader, however, insisted he sought the leave of the presiding officer to raise the concern, and also noted that members of the current government once made similar complaints when they were in opposition. “Because you are in government, you’ve forgotten what you did in opposition,” he added.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh concluded the Minority’s position bluntly: “You kept a Ghanaian citizen for 14 days,” he said, stressing the human rights implications of Hannan’s extended detention.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House