Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin has appealed to President John Mahama to rein in his appointees and ensure that state institutions exercise their powers within the law.
His comments follow a confrontation at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, involving Manhyia South MP and lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah and security personnel reportedly linked to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Afenyo-Markin urged President Mahama to consider the legacy of his administration as he approaches the latter part of his second term.
“Not many people get a second chance and I address Mr President as a father who is for all of us. Mr President, reflect on your legacy. You are just two years from exiting office,” he said.
He called on the President to intervene over what he described as excesses by some members of his administration.
“Mr President, watch these excesses. Enough. Bring your appointees to order; call them to order. This is not a Ghana we want, Mr President,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that the Minority was not opposed to accountability or the lawful activities of state institutions.
“We are not against accountability. We always say that we are not against any state institution going about its lawful duty as enshrined in any enactment or the Constitution, but what we are saying is that a state institution must be seen to be doing its work lawfully,” he said.
He specifically criticised EOCO, alleging that the institution had repeatedly exceeded its mandate.
“EOCO has gained notoriety for abusing its mandates, we all know it, but it appears that EOCO is untouchable,” he said.
He, however, said the President would ultimately be held responsible for the conduct of state institutions under his administration.
“But Mr President, in the end, it will be your record,” he added.
The comments come amid questions over the treatment of Salomey Baffoe Awiti, who is facing a charge of abetment of crime, to wit publication of false news, in connection with investigations into the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
The High Court on Wednesday adjourned her bail application hearing to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the defence’s application.
