The arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has triggered renewed calls for strict adherence to due process in the handling of investigations involving individuals. The development has drawn reactions from the minority, with questions raised over the procedures followed during arrests.
The Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe Constituency and Deputy Minority Whip, Honourable Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has criticised the approach adopted by EOCO, arguing that persons arrested must be informed about the reasons behind their detention and granted access to legal representation. Honourable Shaib insisted that law enforcement institutions must operate within the principles of fairness and accountability.
The Weija Gbawe MP argued that arrest procedures should provide individuals with opportunities to engage lawyers, communicate with families and understand the allegations against them. He claimed that repeated incidents involving arrests at travel points without prior invitations could weaken public confidence in state institutions.
“The moment you keep pressing the necks of people, they will want to scream. It may be my turn today, it may be your turn tomorrow. I keep saying that when we go on this tangent, it will get to a stage where people will not sit, watch, and wait. They will revolt.”
Honourable Jerry Ahmed Shaib
According to the Deputy Minority Whip, the practice of arresting individuals while they are preparing to travel requires closer scrutiny, especially where prior engagement has not occurred. He cited the case of former Member of Parliament Moses Asaga as an example, questioning whether such individuals should first be invited for discussions before enforcement actions are taken.
Meanwhile, Honourable Shaib warned that continued disregard for legal procedures could create tension between citizens and state agencies. He urged civil society organisations and other stakeholders to pay attention to developments surrounding the enforcement of criminal investigations.
The Weija Gbawe MP further questioned why individuals are sometimes denied immediate access to lawyers and families after being taken into custody. He stressed that the fight against crime must operate alongside respect for constitutional rights.
He added that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration must ensure state institutions uphold democratic principles while carrying out their responsibilities. Honourable Shaib maintained that accountability and transparency remain essential in strengthening public trust.
Arrest Procedures Face Scrutiny As Calls Grow For Transparency
Honourable Jerry Ahmed Shaib also argued that investigations must follow established legal processes to prevent situations where individuals and their families struggle to access information about their whereabouts. The Deputy Minority Whip explained that every person facing an allegation deserves to know the offence being investigated and the legal steps ahead.
The MP for Weija Gbawe Constituency emphasised that access to lawyers should form part of the initial stages of any arrest process. He stated that legal representation allows suspects to understand their position and protects the integrity of investigations.
“Due process means that when someone is arrested, the person should have access to lawyers, family and information about the crime committed.”
Honourable Jerry Ahmed Shaib
Furthermore, Honourable Shaib questioned the timing and manner of some arrests carried out by EOCO, especially when individuals are intercepted during travel. He suggested that investigators should first invite persons for questioning where circumstances permit before resorting to physical detention.
The Minority side of Parliament, according to the Deputy Minority Whip, supports lawful investigations while opposing methods that appear inconsistent with constitutional protections. He argued that criminal allegations should be tested through the courts where evidence can be examined fairly.
Addressing claims that some individuals have eventually gained access to lawyers after their arrests, Honourable Shaib questioned why such access should come after public pressure. He explained that legal assistance should be available from the beginning of the process.
Moreover, the Weija Gbawe MP also referenced previous cases involving other personalities, including media practitioner Larry Dogbe, to argue that similar situations could affect different groups of people if procedures are not properly followed.
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