Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged President John Dramani Mahama to rein in his appointees after officials from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) reportedly tried to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court.
The reported incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when Baffour Awuah, who is also a lawyer, appeared at the court to represent social commentator Salomey Baffoe.
Baffoe is facing allegations of abetting the publication of false information in connection with content associated with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
Baffour Awuah was at the High Court for proceedings relating to Baffoe’s bail application when individuals identified as EOCO officials reportedly attempted to take him into custody.
Details surrounding the attempted arrest remained unclear at the time, including whether the MP had received a formal invitation from EOCO and the legal basis for the intended arrest.
EOCO had also not issued a detailed public statement on the incident at the time of reporting.
The situation reportedly escalated outside the court, with videos circulating on social media showing an exchange between the MP and a woman identified as an EOCO official.
A scuffle was subsequently reported as Baffour Awuah attempted to leave the court premises in his vehicle.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin criticised what he described as excesses by the government and urged President Mahama to ensure that state institutions operate within the law.
“Mr President, reflect on your legacy. You are left with almost just 2 years from exiting office. The question is, what would you tell Ghanaians when you are in your quiet moment? Can you proudly say, in the second opportunity you were given by God, you used that chance to transform your country?” he asked.
The Minority Leader stressed that his side of the House was not opposed to accountability or lawful investigations by state institutions.
He said, however, that state agencies must carry out their responsibilities within the limits of the law and avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in public institutions.
“Watch these excesses; enough is enough. Call your appointees to order because this is not the Ghana we want. We are not against accountability, and we always say that. We are not against any state institution going about its lawful duty as enshrined in any enactment or the Constitution. What we are saying is that a state institution must be seen to be doing its work lawfully,” he said.
The Minority’s concerns come amid wider public and political debate over the arrest and prosecution of Salomey Baffoe and the conduct of the state agencies involved in the case.
Afenyo-Markin’s comments have added to calls for state institutions to follow established legal procedures when conducting investigations and enforcement actions.
