The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is calling for the prompt release of the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is currently held by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
This demand comes after Baffour Awuah chose to present himself voluntarily to EOCO on Thursday, October 1, following the issuance of an arrest warrant related to an ongoing investigation concerning transactions associated with SIC Life Savings and Loans.
Baffour Awuah, a lawyer, appeared before the anti-graft agency accompanied by his legal counsel and fellow Members of Parliament.
His presentation to EOCO followed a legal process in which the agency secured an arrest warrant after concerns emerged about his failure to respond to requests for investigative assistance.
Afenyo-Markin, in a Facebook statement, expressed concerns regarding the circumstances of the MP’s detention and scrutinized the manner in which EOCO was exercising its investigative authority.
While clarifying that his remarks should not be construed as interference with the SIC Life Savings and Loans investigation, the Minority Leader contended that Baffour Awuah’s treatment constituted intimidation of an opposition member.
“We do not by this seek to prejudge the SIC Life Savings & Loans investigation. No one is above the law, EOCO included. But we believe the MP’s treatment forms part of a broader attempt to intimidate critical opposition voices.”
Baffour Awuah had previously communicated that he had maintained contact with EOCO through appropriate Parliamentary procedures and had directed the agency’s requests to the Clerk of Parliament.
Notwithstanding this, EOCO advanced with the legal procedure that ultimately led to the issuance of the arrest warrant.
The Minority Leader questioned whether all feasible avenues for obtaining the MP’s attendance had been thoroughly explored prior to the warrant’s issuance.
He additionally advocated for the cessation of utilizing arrest and prosecution mechanisms to intimidate political adversaries or restrict freedom of expression.
