The Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Honourable Alexander Kwamena Osahen Afenyo-Markin, has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah from EOCO custody, questioning the manner in which the investigation has been handled.
In a social media post, Honourable Afenyo-Markin argued that the Minority does not seek to interfere with the SIC Life Savings and Loans investigation but objects to the use of investigative powers to intimidate political opponents. Honourable Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah voluntarily reported to EOCO on October 1 with his lawyer and fellow MPs and was subsequently arrested while assisting with the investigation.
Directing attention to the circumstances surrounding the case, the Minority Leader recalled the reported attempt to arrest the Manhyia South MP at the Accra High Court on September 23. He noted that Honourable Baffour Awuah has been at the court representing a client when persons identified as EOCO officials attempted to take him into custody.
Honourable Afenyo-Markin further questioned the handling of EOCO’s earlier invitations to the legislator. He argued that correspondence involving the Clerk of Parliament should have been properly considered before the agency pursued an arrest warrant.
“We do not by this seek to prejudge the SIC Life Savings & Loans investigation. No one is above the law, EOCO included.”
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Osahen Afenyo-Markin
On the MP’s eventual appearance before the agency, the Effutu MP highlighted the period he spent waiting before questioning began. He argued that the circumstances raise questions about fairness and the exercise of investigative authority.
The Minority Leader therefore called for an end to what he describes as the misuse of arrest and prosecution to suppress political expression. He insisted that opposition MPs would continue scrutinising the government despite the pressure surrounding the case.
“You will not harass us into silence. The Minority will continue holding this government to account. We will not bend the knee.”
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Osahen Afenyo-Markin
Referencing the broader political implications, Honourable Afenyo-Markin cautioned EOCO leadership that public authority carries responsibilities that must be exercised within the law. He stressed that political affiliation should not determine how investigative powers are applied..
Minority Leader Urges EOCO To Target Drug Kingpins, Galamsey Networks
The Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Honourable Alexander Kwamena Osahen Afenyo-Markin, also urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office to intensify efforts against narcotics and illegal mining networks, calling for the financiers, organisers and beneficiaries behind such activities to be identified and prosecuted.
Honourable Afenyo-Markin made the call while questioning the level of attention being directed towards major organised crime threats linked to Ghana. He argued that enforcement agencies should combine investigations with financial tracing, asset recovery and public accountability over the results of their operations.
Directing attention to recent narcotics seizures, the Minority Leader cited a Research tally which recorded 11 cocaine cases among 28 drug busts linked to Ghana between March 2025 and September 22, 2026. The research estimates the street value of the cocaine seized at between US$1.3 billion and US$1.7 billion, with major consignments intercepted outside Ghana.
Among the cases referenced by the Effutu MP are the nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine seized at Dunkirk in France, about 320 kilograms of methamphetamine intercepted in Australia and major cocaine seizures at European ports involving shipments linked to Ghana. The research indicates that the four overseas cocaine seizures accounted for about 12.4 tonnes, compared with approximately 3.6 tonnes recorded in seven Ghanaian seizures.
“EOCO must pursue the kingpins, not persecute political opponents.”
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Osahen Afenyo-Markin
On the institutional response, Honourable Afenyo-Markin called for closer cooperation between EOCO and the Narcotics Control Commission in tracing the financial structures supporting drug trafficking. He argued that following the money and identifying criminal assets should form part of the response to organised narcotics networks.
The Minority Leader also raised illegal mining as another area requiring stronger enforcement. He questioned what he described as delays in pursuing allegations involving politically connected persons while illegal mining continues to affect Ghana’s natural resources and local livelihoods.
Referencing the government’s own acknowledgements about the involvement of politically connected individuals in illegal mining, Mr Afenyo-Markin called for investigations to establish responsibility and ensure that evidence, rather than political affiliation, determines prosecution.
He further urged law enforcement institutions to use their statutory powers to trace, freeze and confiscate proceeds where the law permits. According to him, accountability requires both prosecution of wrongdoing and a transparent explanation of how public institutions are deploying their investigative powers.
“Follow the money. Trace the assets. Pursue the kingpins.”
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Osahen Afenyo-Markin
The Effutu MP maintained that the fight against narcotics and illegal mining should be focused on organised networks and the financial interests supporting them. He argued that such enforcement must also be conducted fairly and without political discrimination.
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