Parliament has expressed grave concern over the continued detention of the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The lawmaker voluntarily presented himself to the investigative body following reports that the High Court had issued a warrant for his arrest.
In a statement signed by the Director of Media Relations, David Sebastian Damoah, Parliament indicated that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, considers the circumstances surrounding the MP’s detention a matter of serious concern that raises critical questions regarding parliamentary privileges, constitutional rights, and the proper exercise of state investigative powers.
While affirming that no lawmaker is above the law, the legislature emphasized that MPs do not act merely in their personal capacities and that constitutional safeguards exist to protect the independence of Parliament rather than shield individuals from accountability.
“The Speaker has been informed that the High Court directed EOCO to enforce the warrant against the Member. The Speaker has not yet seen the terms of that directive and therefore does not purport to interpret it. However, once the Member voluntarily presented himself to EOCO and submitted to its processes, any decision to continue holding him in custody, ought to have a clear and demonstrable basis in law and necessity,” the statement read.
Parliament questioned the proportionality of holding an MP overnight after he voluntarily surrendered and fully cooperated with investigators. The statement stressed that the power to arrest or detain must be exercised lawfully and reasonably, adding that continued detention should not become routine or punitive when voluntary appearance has already been secured. It noted that if the warrant required the MP to appear before the High Court, every reasonable effort ought to have been made to present him before the court at the earliest opportunity.
Reflecting on past instances of arrests involving sitting lawmakers since the second Parliament of the Fourth Republic, the legislature announced plans to review the existing statutory and constitutional framework to ensure accountability coexists with parliamentary independence.
“Parliament calls on all state institutions and public officials to exercise coercive powers with restraint, fairness and full respect for constitutional rights. The Rt Hon Speaker reiterates that a political opponent is not a political enemy. Past excesses cannot justify present excesses. Ghana cannot build a stronger democracy by perpetuating a cycle in which questionable conduct is defended merely because similar conduct occurred under a previous administration. This cycle must end,” the statement added.
Parliament concluded by urging that all proceedings concerning Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah be conducted strictly in line with the Constitution, judicial orders, and full respect for his rights without interfering with parliamentary duties.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
