Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has criticised state investigative and law enforcement agencies over the detention of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, alleging that their powers are being used to target political opponents.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Dame specifically criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General’s Office over what he described as an abuse of the powers to arrest, investigate and prosecute.
He said the use of state institutions to settle political disputes and punish opponents represented a serious concern for the country’s law enforcement system.
“The deployment of state power to settle scores and punish political opponents is the lowest point of law enforcement,” he wrote.
Dame’s comments followed the detention of Baffour Awuah, who he said had spent two nights in EOCO custody without being granted bail in connection with a transaction involving GH¢2.2 million in legal fees.
He questioned the basis for the MP’s continued detention and whether the allegations being investigated amounted to a criminal offence.
“On what account does Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah (MP) spend 2 nights in EOCO custody without bail?” he asked.
The former Attorney General compared the situation to cases involving other prominent politicians, arguing that some had faced investigations or prosecutions without being held in custody.
He cited former minister Alhaji Collins Dauda, who he said was granted self-recognisance bail while facing trial over an alleged financial loss of about US$198 million.
Dame also referenced the case involving former Deputy Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, saying he was granted self-recognisance bail in a prosecution involving €2.3 million.
He further mentioned Dr Dominic Ayine, whom he said was granted bail during investigations into his alleged involvement in the Ameri deal in 2017.
According to Dame, the cases raise questions about consistency in the treatment of political figures and the protection of the rights of suspects during investigations.
He further alleged that state law enforcement institutions were being used against political opponents and critics while other serious offences, including drug trafficking, remained a concern.
EOCO explains status of investigation
EOCO, however, has said it is collaborating with the Attorney-General’s Office to bring Baffour Awuah before a court during the weekend.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 2, 2026, the anti-graft agency said the Manhyia South MP was cooperating with investigators.
EOCO also dismissed reports that it had granted the MP GH¢50 million bail.
The Office said its investigation relates to allegations including financial loss to the state, money laundering and tax-related offences involving SIC Life Savings and Loans.
EOCO maintained that the investigation would be conducted professionally, independently and in accordance with due process.
The agency also said it would respect the constitutional rights of all persons involved as investigations continue.
