Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the government to ensure that arrests, detentions and prosecutions are not used to intimidate political opponents or suppress freedom of expression. Editorial Ethics & Independence
The Effutu Member of Parliament made the call following the arrest and detention of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by EOCO in connection with an investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving SIC Life Savings and Loans.
In a statement published on October 2, 2026, Mr Afenyo-Markin demanded the immediate and unconditional release of his colleague, while urging the anti-graft agency to focus its investigative resources on major organised criminal networks, including those involved in narcotics trafficking and illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The Minority Leader argued that law enforcement agencies must demonstrate fairness, professionalism and consistency in the exercise of their statutory powers.
He maintained that investigations should be guided by credible evidence and conducted without regard to the political affiliations or public positions of individuals under investigation.
His comments have brought renewed attention to the balance between the responsibility of investigative agencies to combat financial crime and the need to protect constitutional rights, due process and freedom of expression.
Mr Afenyo-Markin’s intervention followed developments surrounding the arrest of Mr Baffour Awuah, who is also a lawyer.
The Manhyia South legislator had previously raised concerns about an attempted arrest by persons believed to be EOCO officials on September 23, after he appeared at the Accra High Court to represent a client.
According to the Minority Leader, the circumstances surrounding that encounter raised questions about whether the appropriate procedures had been followed. He also questioned the handling of earlier invitations reportedly issued to the MP by EOCO.
Mr Baffour Awuah has said he referred the invitations to the Clerk of Parliament. Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned whether the agency had adequately considered the parliamentary correspondence before pursuing further legal action.
A warrant was subsequently obtained, with the court directing that it be executed through the Speaker of Parliament, according to accounts of the proceedings.
The Minority Leader argued that the circumstances required closer scrutiny to ensure that the investigative process remained fair.
On October 1, Mr Baffour Awuah reported to EOCO accompanied by his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, and fellow Members of Parliament. He was subsequently arrested and detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
EOCO confirmed the arrest and appealed to the public to allow its officers to conduct their investigations without speculation.
The agency stated that it would pursue relevant lines of inquiry, examine available evidence and respect the rights of all persons involved under the Constitution and applicable laws.
Mr Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that no individual or institution should be above the law. However, he maintained that the authority to investigate and prosecute must be exercised responsibly and should not become a tool for political persecution.
He also questioned what he described as a disparity between the attention given to the MP’s case and the need to investigate major narcotics trafficking operations and illegal mining networks.
The Minority Leader referred to reports of substantial cocaine seizures linked to Ghana and argued that authorities should intensify efforts to identify the financiers, organisers and beneficiaries behind such activities. Corrections Policy
He called for closer cooperation between EOCO and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), including efforts to trace suspected criminal proceeds and pursue lawful asset recovery.
His demands also extended to illegal mining, which continues to raise concerns over environmental degradation, water pollution and the protection of livelihoods. He called for investigations into alleged links between individuals and illegal mining operations, insisting that accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation.
Mr Afenyo-Markin outlined three principal demands: the release of Mr Baffour Awuah from EOCO custody, an end to what he described as the misuse of arrest and prosecution to intimidate political opponents, and stronger evidence-based investigations into narcotics trafficking and galamsey.
He further called for greater public accountability regarding the results of investigations into organised crime.
The dispute highlights the importance of maintaining public confidence in Ghana’s investigative and law enforcement institutions.
Arrests and prosecutions are legitimate tools for addressing suspected criminal conduct, but their credibility depends on lawful procedures, credible evidence and respect for the rights of those involved. Editorial Standards
At the same time, allegations of political intimidation should be distinguished from established findings, particularly while investigations remain ongoing.
EOCO’s investigation into Mr Baffour Awuah is yet to be resolved publicly, and the allegations against him should not be treated as proven.
The agency’s stated commitment to examining the evidence and respecting constitutional rights will be central to how the matter proceeds.
As the case develops, the handling of the investigation may have wider implications for public trust in anti-corruption efforts, parliamentary accountability and the protection of political expression in Ghana.