Political scientist Amakye Boateng has questioned why the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Raymond Archer, is still at post.
According to the Political scientist, EOCO’s attempt to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is representing detained nurse Salomey Awiti Baffoe in court, is very embarrassing amid the controversy over the handling of the case.
He criticised the conduct of the security agencies in the case, adding that the situation could have political consequences for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on Kumasi-based Angel FM, he stated, “Personally, I am still at a loss that the EOCO boss is still at post,” he said. “As for this one, I will not mince words. This is very embarrassing.”
He further criticised the broader handling of Baffoe’s case, noting the approach by the police and other state institutions risked undermining public confidence in the government.
“The behaviour of the police in handling the lady’s case is sending the NDC to opposition if they don’t know,” he said.
“The gains made, the stabilisation of the cedi, the President’s vision to build an expressway is being dismantled by the police’s action,” he fumed.
“When did Ghana use political power to harass citizens?” he asked.
He said the controversy was particularly troubling at a time when many Ghanaians were already dealing with economic difficulties.
“At a time when people are faced with hardship, the struggles we are facing, and we are being battered with this show of force, then Ghana will not be a place where democracy works,” he said.
“So, whoever is the IGP, this is your work. I am really surprised these things are going on,” he said.
Meanwhile, the High Court in Accra has denied the bail application of Salomey Awity Baffoe, a senior nursing officer based in Techiman linked to the Ghana Jollof case.
Salomey Awity Baffoe is facing a charge of abetment of crime in connection with content attributed to the “Ghana Jollof” social media account.
The High Court declined the application, arguing the ongoing nature of investigations and concerns that evidence could be deleted if Ms Baffoe is granted bail.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the lawyer for the nurse, made this known following a virtual hearing before the court.
“The court said that [1] investigations are ongoing. [2] The investigations are cyber-related; therefore, releasing the woman may result in her deleting all the information that could serve as evidence”, lawyer Baffour Awuah said.
The High Court decision means Ms Baffoe will remain in custody while investigations continue.
@ghnow_ “Salomey was kept in custody for more than 48 hours before being processed to court.” — Hon. Jerry Ahmed. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ They should come and arrest all of us, we are ready – Protestor #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
