By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, Sept. 23, GNA – Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Wednesday explained his decision to flee the Accra High Court after an alleged attempt by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to take him into custody.
Nana Baffour Awuah, who is also counsel for social commentator Madam Salomey Baffoe, said the woman who identified herself as an EOCO official failed to provide identification, proof of authority or an arrest warrant when asked.
He said he offered to drive himself to the EOCO office to verify the invitation, but the official insisted that he use their vehicle, which heightened his suspicion.
“It became obvious to me that it was one of the recent kidnappings that have been going on, which is sponsored by the state,” Nana Baffour Awuah told journalists at Parliament House on Wednesday.
“And that is why I had to run. I had to drive to safety. I have come to Parliament and then my colleagues are behind me and I thank them very much,” he added.
He said his decision was informed by his responsibility to his constituents, the Minority Caucus, his family and his client.
The incident followed proceedings in the bail application of Madam Baffoe, who is facing a charge of abetment of crime in connection with the alleged publication of false information linked to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
The High Court, subsequently, adjourned the bail hearing to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested more time to respond.
Nana Baffour Awuah’s side also alleged that the attempted arrest was intended to silence him over his public defence of Madam Baffoe.
Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps in Parliament over the matter, Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, expressed concern about the alleged attempted arrest and urged the President to ensure that state institutions and officials operated within the law.
He said the Minority was not opposed to accountability but maintained that state institutions must discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the law.
He urged the President to use his remaining time in office to strengthen the country’s institutions and ensure that their operations reflected the principles of accountability and respect for the law.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also urged the President to ensure that his appointees exercised their responsibilities within the law and that state institutions were seen to be carrying out their mandates lawfully.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged arrest, including whether the MP had received a formal invitation from EOCO and the legal basis for the intended arrest, remained unclear at the time of filing the report.
EOCO had not issued a detailed public statement on the incident.
GNA
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage
GNA