The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on its members to turn up in large numbers at the Accra High Court on Thursday in solidarity with Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah and detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti.
NPP Greater Accra Regional Organiser Moses Abor made the call after a reported confrontation involving officials believed to be from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and Awuah at the court on Wednesday, 23 September.
Abor urged NPP national executives, parliamentary representatives, former government appointees, constituency organisers and party members to attend the court proceedings as the party rallies behind Awuah and Baffoe.
He said the party should “come out in their numbers tomorrow to show solidarity for Salomey Bafoh Awiti and to also stand by Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah”.
The call comes as Baffoe’s bail application is expected to continue on Thursday, after the High Court adjourned the hearing to allow prosecutors additional time to respond to the defence application.
Awuah, who is also a lawyer, is leading Baffoe’s defence team.
Attempted arrest
Abor condemned what he described as an “embarrassing attempt” by officers allegedly from EOCO to forcibly arrest and take away the Manhyia South MP shortly after he had made submissions during Baffoe’s bail hearing.
“It is very regrettable to witness such an unwarranted and needless attack on our country’s lawmaker who is in no breach of the law in the slightest way,” Abor said in a statement.
He accused the government of disregarding the rule of law and due process, and alleged that the reported incident formed part of efforts to intimidate opposition figures.
“As Regional Organizer for the New Patriotic Party, I condemn this bizarre and irresponsible abuse of state power by the President and his appointees to intimidate members of the opposition,” he said.
The circumstances surrounding the reported incident remain unclear. Reports from the court said a woman identifying herself as an EOCO official approached Awuah and asked him to accompany her. The MP declined and later drove away, while a vehicle believed to be carrying security personnel was seen following him.
EOCO had not publicly confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Awuah or explained the circumstances surrounding the encounter as of Wednesday.
Abor did not provide evidence to substantiate his allegation that the reported incident was directed by President John Dramani Mahama or intended to intimidate opposition members.
Baffoe is facing a charge of abetment of crime, to wit, publication of false news, in connection with content allegedly circulated through the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account. She has pleaded not guilty and her lawyers have rejected the allegations.
The reported confrontation has drawn reactions from lawyers and political commentators, while questions remain over whether Awuah had been formally invited by EOCO and the legal basis for the reported attempt to engage him.
