Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has accused the government and state security agencies of undermining the rule of law following an attempted arrest of the Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
The incident occurred at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, when officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) approached the MP in connection with an ongoing investigation.
Abu Jinapor, who is the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said the incident raises concerns about how security agencies are exercising their powers, particularly when dealing with sitting Members of Parliament.
He argued that although public officials and citizens can be investigated, such actions must be carried out according to established legal procedures.
“The Constitution is clear on the privileges and protections afforded Members of Parliament,” Jinapor said.
He also commended Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah for questioning the identity and authority of the officials who approached him at the court premises.
According to Abu Jinapor, the MP’s decision to seek clarification demonstrated the importance of constitutional protections and due process.
He further expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of arrests and actions involving opposition figures and social media users.
Abu Jinapor warned that such developments could weaken public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions and affect the exercise of freedom of expression.
He stressed that the New Patriotic Party was not opposed to investigations or accountability, but insisted that law enforcement must follow the procedures established by the Constitution.
“Accountability is not the issue. We are prepared to subject ourselves to accountability,” he said, while insisting that such processes must be lawful.
The former Lands and Natural Resources Minister also urged the government to pay greater attention to economic and social challenges, including the rising cost of living and youth unemployment.
He linked his concerns to the ongoing controversies surrounding cocaine-related investigations, calling for greater transparency and institutional accountability.
EOCO has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest the Manhyia South MP, explaining that the action was part of efforts to secure his attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation.
