The Minority in Parliament has accused the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of weaponising a state institution to undermine and intimidate the Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, September 23, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned what he described as an abuse of power following an attempted arrest of the MP.
He said the manner in which EOCO handled the matter was unacceptable, particularly because the person involved is both a lawyer and a sitting Member of Parliament.
“What is happening today amount to abuse of power, weaponizing a state institution to undermine, abuse, intimidate a citizen who is a lawyer and a member of parliament.”
The Minority Caucus, he said, had listened to the account of its colleague and was deeply concerned about the development.
“It’s most unfortunate. As a caucus, we have listened to our colleague.”
The Minority Leader questioned why EOCO did not adopt a different approach if its intention was genuinely to act in good faith.
“If indeed EOCO meant well and wanted to act in good faith, they could have adopted some other well humane approach rather than creating the scene.”
The comments follow an attempted arrest of the Manhyia South MP by EOCO, an incident that has triggered strong reactions within the Minority Caucus.
The Caucus is raising concerns about the manner in which state investigative institutions exercise their powers and whether such actions respect the rights of citizens, including elected representatives.
The Minority Leader maintained that state institutions must exercise their authority responsibly and avoid actions that could be perceived as intimidation or abuse of power.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
