Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has cautioned President John Dramani Mahama over what he described as the excessive use of state institutions to arrest members of the opposition.
The Effutu Member of Parliament made the comments following an alleged attempt by officials believed to be from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when the Manhyia South legislator appeared before the court.
The attempted arrest has generated concerns within the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), with Afenyo-Markin calling on the government to ensure that law enforcement agencies carry out their responsibilities within the limits of the law.
The Minority Leader stressed that the opposition was not against investigations or lawful efforts by state institutions to hold individuals accountable.
However, he said such actions must be undertaken in accordance with the Constitution and other relevant laws governing the operations of state agencies.
Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about the presence of law enforcement officers at court premises for the purpose of arresting individuals who have appeared before the court.
He called on the Chief Justice to examine the circumstances surrounding such arrests and consider whether law enforcement agencies should be allowed to enter court premises specifically to take suspects or accused persons into custody.
The development has added to an ongoing political debate over the activities of state investigative agencies under the Mahama administration.
Afenyo-Markin urged President Mahama to take steps to ensure that his appointees and officials do not abuse the powers entrusted to them.
He argued that the conduct of government officials would ultimately become part of the President’s record in office and could affect how his administration is remembered.
The Minority Leader therefore urged the President to intervene where necessary and ensure that state institutions operate professionally and independently.
He further maintained that the opposition would continue to scrutinise the actions of government agencies and raise concerns where it believes constitutional or legal procedures are not being followed.
The comments come at a time when several investigations involving individuals linked to the previous administration have generated political controversy, with the opposition accusing the government of targeting its members.
Government officials and state agencies, however, have maintained that investigations and prosecutions should be allowed to follow due process and that individuals accused of wrongdoing must be subjected to the law.
The disagreement over the alleged attempted arrest at the Accra High Court is therefore expected to continue as the political parties debate the appropriate boundaries between law enforcement, investigations and political activity.
Afenyo-Markin’s warning to President Mahama was framed around the remaining period of the administration, with the Minority Leader urging the President to ensure that the actions of state institutions remain consistent with the rule of law.
Source: Thepressradio.com
