Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for the immediate release of the Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, following his detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Baffour Awuah voluntarily reported to EOCO on Thursday, October 1, after the Accra High Court issued a warrant authorising his arrest as part of an investigation into alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans. EOCO subsequently placed him under arrest and continued with its investigative procedures.
Afenyo-Markin said the Minority’s position was not intended to interfere with the investigation or prejudge the allegations being examined by EOCO. However, he questioned the circumstances surrounding the MP’s continued detention, particularly after he had presented himself to the agency accompanied by his lawyer and parliamentary colleagues.
The Minority Leader also challenged EOCO’s decision to pursue an arrest warrant, noting that Baffour Awuah had previously maintained that he had engaged the agency through the appropriate parliamentary channels. The MP has disputed EOCO’s account that he failed to respond to earlier invitations, saying representatives of his former law firm appeared before the agency on several occasions and provided information requested by investigators.
Afenyo-Markin said the circumstances raised questions about whether all available avenues for securing the MP’s attendance had been exhausted before the warrant was sought.
He further called for an end to what he described as the use of arrest and prosecution to intimidate political opponents or suppress free expression.
His comments come as EOCO continues investigations into allegations including criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering and tax-related offences. EOCO has stressed that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions about Baffour Awuah’s culpability before the investigative and judicial processes are completed.
