General News of 2026-09-24
'Unprofessional law enforcement, retrogression' – Personalities blast EOCO over attempted arrest of MP
The botched attempt to arrest lawyer and Manhyia South Member of Parliament (MP), Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by officers of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, has sparked criticism from several personalities.
According to EOCO, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP had refused to appear before the agency after being invited twice to assist with an ongoing investigation dating back to February 2026.
However, the attempted arrest at the High Court has generated criticism, with some questioning the procedure adopted by the law enforcement agency.
Critics argue that EOCO should have followed the constitutional and parliamentary procedure for dealing with a sitting MP by writing to the Speaker of Parliament to make the necessary arrangements.
Among those who have expressed concern are lawyer Martin Kpebu, lawyer and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, IMANI Africa founding president Franklin Cudjoe, Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and US-based legal scholar Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar.
Martin Kpebu
According to lawyer Martin Kpebu, the conduct of EOCO amounts to a retrogression in Ghana’s democratic development.
“What I am saying is that it is a retrogression in our quest for a better democracy. It is a retrogression because, as far as I am aware, by the Parliament Act 300 and the constitutional architecture, when you need a parliamentarian, my understanding is that you will write to the Speaker of Parliament and the Speaker will make arrangements,” he said in an interview on September 23, 2026.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Lawyer, activist and academic Oliver Barker-Vormawor also criticised the conduct of EOCO, suggesting that the agency’s actions could undermine public confidence in the government.
“Unprofessional law enforcement diɛ it is the weapon fashioned against the Gov’t oo. I su-err! Everyday they wake up, it’s like they are determined to wipe out every goodwill of the Govt. Zero tact! Zero common sense!” he said in a social media post on September 23, 2026.
Unprofessional law enforcement diɛ it is the weapon fashioned against the Gov’t oo. I su-err!
Everyday they wake up, it’s like they are determined to wipe out every goodwill of the Govt. Zero tact! Zero common sense!
— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) September 23, 2026
Franklin Cudjoe
The founding president of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, also described EOCO’s attempted arrest as unnecessary, while criticising the MP for failing to respond to the agency’s invitations.
“EOCO. No! You really shouldn't have attempted the arrest once the MP reneged. But the MP should have honoured two formal invitations sent to him by EOCO as far back in February 2026! I respect the MP so much and I am disappointed that he ignored EOCO's invitation.”
EOCO. No! You really shouldn't have attempted the arrest once the MP reneged. But the MP should have honoured two formal invitations sent to him by EOCO as far back in February 2026! I respect the MP so much and l am disappointed that he ignored EOCO's invitation.
— Franklin CUDJOE (@lordcudjoe) September 23, 2026
Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor
Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor said EOCO’s approach, without following the required procedure, could damage Ghana’s image internationally.
“As of this moment, Parliament of Ghana is host to the ECOWAS Parliament in a major conference here in Parliament House in Accra. Such seemingly casual cases of procedural improprieties hurt the sterling image of Ghana here and abroad,” he said in a social media post on September 23, 2026.
HON. BAFFOUR & THE ATTEMPTED ARREST BY EOCO WITHIN THE PRECINCTS OF COURT ——————————————
1. Article 117 provides a terse procedure as to how The Speaker, MPs and the Clerk to Parliament shall be served with any Civil or Criminal processes.
2. This Constitutional protection…
— Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Esq. MP. (@etsedafeamekpor) September 23, 2026
Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare
US-based legal scholar Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, questioned the timing and location of the attempted arrest.
“Why attempt the arrest as he left court? Arresting a lawyer at that moment can create an appearance of intimidation, whether intended or not. EOCO should explain its choice of time and place and account for its officers’ conduct during the encounter.”
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