Majority Leader and Effutu Member of Parliament (MP), Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of prioritising the intimidation of political opponents over the pursuit of drug traffickers and illegal mining networks.
In a strongly worded statement issued on 1 October 2026, Afenyo-Markin said the government appeared more focused on “optics” and silencing criticism than tackling Ghana’s role as a major transhipment hub for narcotics.
He cited a JoyNews Research tally showing that Ghana recorded 11 cocaine cases in 28 drug busts since March 2025, with a combined estimated street value of up to $1.7 billion.
He also referenced major international seizures linked to Ghanaian consignments, including nearly 4,500 kilograms of cocaine intercepted in Amsterdam, almost 3.9 tonnes that reached Dunkirk, about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine worth A$296 million that arrived in Australia, and 3.3 tonnes of cocaine found under sand in a tipper truck at Pedu Junction in Ghana.
“Ghanaians want to know: who are the financiers, organisers and beneficiaries? Where is the comparable zeal of our security agencies in pursuing them?” Afenyo-Markin asked.
The statement focused heavily on the recent treatment of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
According to Afenyo-Markin, an EOCO official attempted to arrest Awuah on 23 September after he had argued a bail application for a detained nurse. No warrant or identification was produced at the time. A warrant was later obtained, with the court directing that it be executed through the Speaker of Parliament.
Awuah voluntarily reported to EOCO on 1 October accompanied by his lawyer and fellow MPs, but was kept waiting for hours before questioning began. Afenyo-Markin described the process as raising “serious concerns about fairness and the exercise of investigative power.”
He rejected any suggestion that the MP had deliberately avoided the agency, noting that earlier invitations had been referred to the Clerk of Parliament.
While emphasising that no one is above the law, including EOCO, the Majority Leader framed the episode as part of a broader pattern of using state coercive power against critical opposition voices. He linked the issue to what he called the “golden age of impunity,” citing both the surge in drug trafficking and the continued damage caused by illegal mining (galamsey).
Afenyo-Markin noted that the President had previously acknowledged the involvement of people associated with the administration in illegal mining and the existence of “big fish who never get caught.”
He questioned the outcome of a July 2025 directive to investigate two NDC officials over galamsey allegations.
He called on EOCO and the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to collaborate, follow the money, trace assets, and pursue the kingpins of narcotics networks.
The statement made three specific demands which include the immediate and unconditional release of Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah from EOCO custody; an end to the misuse of arrest and prosecution to intimidate political opponents or suppress free expression and vigorous investigations into narcotics and galamsey networks, lawful tracing and freezing of suspected criminal assets, evidence-based prosecutions, and public accountability for results.
Afenyo-Markin concluded by warning EOCO’s leadership that “power is transient” and affirming that the Minority would continue to hold the government to account.
“The culture of silence is not coming back,” he declared.
