Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over the arrest and detention of Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned the manner in which the MP was treated after he voluntarily reported himself to EOCO on October 1, accompanied by his lawyers and some parliamentary colleagues.
According to the Minority Leader, Mr Baffour Awuah arrived at the EOCO office at about 10:47 a.m. but was made to wait several hours before investigators began questioning him.
He said the MP was initially told that he would be attended to within 15 minutes, but the wait reportedly lasted about three to four hours.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said investigators later asked the MP to provide an overview of a case his law firm handled for SIC Life in 2018, after which EOCO officials informed him that he was under arrest.
He further alleged that the MP was taken to his former law office in Dzorwulu for a search before being returned to EOCO and eventually detained in the cells at about 8 p.m.
The Minority Leader has questioned the necessity and manner of the detention, while accusing EOCO of using its powers inappropriately against the MP.
His comments come against the background of an earlier alleged attempt by EOCO officials to arrest Mr Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court on September 23.
EOCO, however, has maintained that its officers were acting within their statutory mandate.
The agency said the MP had previously been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with an ongoing investigation but did not honour the invitations.
The investigation concerns transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans, with allegations relating to suspected financial loss, dissipation of public funds and money laundering.
The allegations remain under investigation and have not been established as proven facts.
Mr Afenyo-Markin has also urged state institutions to respect constitutional rights and proper procedures when dealing with Members of Parliament.
He has called for greater scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding Mr Baffour Awuah’s arrest and detention, while EOCO has urged the public to allow it to conduct its investigations and has said it will examine the available evidence and respect the rights of all persons involved.
