Lawyer Martin Kpebu has criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over the detention of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, describing the detention as unnecessary. Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, October 3, Mr Kpebu argued that the lawmaker’s continued detention was difficult to justify, particularly because, according to him, Baffour Awuah had been aware of the matter since February but had not absconded.
“The detention is unnecessary; it’s just a show of force,” Mr Kpebu said, questioning why an MP who had remained available since February should be kept in custody. He further criticised the manner in which EOCO handled the matter, saying he was not convinced that keeping Baffour Awuah in custody would strengthen the agency’s case. He also questioned why the MP was kept at EOCO for several hours before being questioned.
Mr Kpebu maintained that Baffour Awuah’s voluntary surrender and his continued cooperation with investigators should have been considered in determining whether detention was necessary. He also cited the Supreme Court’s position on the bailability of offences.
His comments come after Baffour Awuah voluntarily surrendered to EOCO on October 1, 2026, following an arrest warrant obtained by the agency in connection with an ongoing investigation. EOCO subsequently said the MP was cooperating with investigators and that it was working with the Attorney-General’s Office to bring him before a weekend court in line with constitutional timelines and bail procedures.
EOCO also dismissed reports that it had granted Baffour Awuah GH¢50 million bail, urging the public to disregard such reports. Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the government’s handling of the case following a visit to Baffour Awuah on October 2.
Mr Afenyo-Markin likened the government’s conduct to that of a police officer determined to find reasons to arrest a driver, arguing that the administration was deliberately looking for faults to target opposition figures.
He alleged that Baffour Awuah was being victimised because of his outspoken role in Parliament and described him as one of the NPP’s young and active voices. The Minority Leader said Baffour Awuah remained in good spirits despite being in custody, encouraging him not to give up.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also accused the government of perpetuating a cycle of political persecution, arguing that such actions could make it increasingly difficult for moderate voices within the NPP to call for restraint. He further alleged that corruption allegations were being used to intimidate critics, including social media activists.
He called on NPP members to remain united and committed to the party’s future, stressing the need for unity to support the party’s flagbearer and work for the people of Ghana. Mr Afenyo-Markin also challenged the governing NDC to identify a defining legacy project of President John Dramani Mahama by 2028, questioning what single initiative he would be remembered for at the end of his term.
