Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has challenged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to intensify efforts to identify and prosecute the financiers and organisers behind Ghana-linked drug trafficking networks.
In a statement issued on October 1, 2026, the Effutu MP questioned what he described as the intense focus on the investigation involving Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, while major narcotics cases linked to Ghana continue to emerge.
“EOCO must pursue the kingpins, not persecute political opponents,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
His comments followed Baffour Awuah’s appearance before EOCO on October 1 after the Accra High Court issued a warrant authorising his arrest and the search for and seizure of documents relevant to an ongoing investigation involving SIC Life Savings and Loans. EOCO has said the MP is cooperating with investigators.
Afenyo-Markin questioned the manner in which the investigation had been handled, particularly the circumstances surrounding an attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court on September 23.
He said Baffour Awuah had referred earlier EOCO invitations to the Clerk of Parliament but alleged that the agency did not recognise the correspondence.
The Minority Leader further questioned why EOCO did not approach the Speaker of Parliament before seeking an arrest warrant.
EOCO, however, told the High Court that it had exhausted reasonable means of securing Baffour Awuah’s voluntary attendance. The court subsequently issued the warrant on September 30 and directed that it be executed through the Speaker of Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about the treatment of the MP after he voluntarily reported to EOCO with his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, and other Members of Parliament.
He said the delay before questioning began raised questions about the exercise of investigative powers.
“This raises serious concerns about fairness and the exercise of investigative power,” he said.
The Minority Leader stressed, however, that his concerns should not be interpreted as an attempt to interfere with the substantive investigation into SIC Life Savings and Loans.
“We do not by this seek to prejudge the SIC Life Savings & Loans investigation. No one is above the law, EOCO included,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin then shifted his attention to Ghana-linked drug trafficking cases, citing figures from JoyNews Research.
The research found that Ghana recorded 11 cocaine cases among 28 drug busts between March 2025 and September 22, 2026. The estimated street value of the cocaine seized was put between US$1.3 billion and US$1.7 billion.
Seven of the 11 cocaine seizures were made in Ghana, while four were recorded abroad. However, the foreign seizures accounted for about 12.4 tonnes, compared with approximately 3.6 tonnes from the Ghanaian seizures where weights were available.
The cases included major seizures in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Dunkirk involving shipments linked to Ghana, as well as a significant seizure at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast.
Against this background, Afenyo-Markin questioned whether enough was being done to identify the people financing and coordinating the trafficking networks.
“Ghanaians want to know: who are the financiers, organisers and beneficiaries? Where is the comparable zeal of our security agencies in pursuing them?” he asked.
He called on EOCO and the National Anti-Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to work together to trace the financial networks behind the drug trade.
“EOCO and NACOC must collaborate. Follow the money. Trace the assets. Pursue the kingpins,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, arguing that the authorities should intensify efforts to identify those financing and organising the activities.
He referred to President John Mahama’s previous comments about people associated with his administration allegedly being involved in illegal mining, as well as his reference to “big fish who never get caught”.
The Minority Leader subsequently questioned what had happened to a July 2025 directive to investigate two NDC officials over allegations related to illegal mining.
“What we are witnessing is the golden age of impunity, epitomised by the surge in both galamsey and drug trafficking,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin ended his statement with three demands, including the immediate and unconditional release of Baffour Awuah from EOCO custody.
He also called for an end to what he described as the misuse of arrest and prosecution to intimidate political opponents or suppress free expression.
His final demand was for intensified investigations into narcotics and illegal mining networks, including the lawful tracing and freezing of suspected criminal assets, evidence-based prosecutions and public accountability for the outcome of investigations.
“Power is transient. Public authority carries responsibility, and accountability follows its exercise,” he told EOCO’s leadership.
He also assured the NPP Minority that it would continue scrutinising the government’s actions.
“To the NDC: you will not harass us into silence. The Minority will continue holding this government to account. We will not bend the knee. The culture of silence is not coming back,” he stated.
