The Ashanti Regional Executive Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a stern warning that it will resist any attempt by the Mahama administration, through state apparatuses, particularly the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to intimidate, harass, or unlawfully arrest its members and elected Members of Parliament (MPs).

In a strongly worded press release signed by Regional Secretary Dr. Francis Adomako, the party emphasized its resolve to defend its members as they carry out their lawful duties.

Escalating Tensions:

The party’s statement follows a volatile incident on Wednesday morning involving the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Baffour Awuah, Esq.

According to the release, the lawmaker was accosted by individuals claiming to be officers of EOCO as he returned to his vehicle after attending court proceedings.

Dr. Adomako characterized the incident as egregious, questioning the justification for state operatives attempting to apprehend an attorney and sitting MP directly outside a court of law without clear cause.

Excesses:

While acknowledging that state security agencies have a legitimate mandate to carry out arrests and invitations in the interest of national security, the Ashanti Regional NPP stressed that such powers must not be exercised capriciously or arbitrarily.

The party warned that it has observed a concerning pattern of conduct by state investigative bodies, notably EOCO, wherein standard operational procedures and statutory regulations are consistently bypassed, resulting in actions that are ultra vires (beyond their legal authority).

The NPP asserted that these state agencies are selectively targeting its membership without justifiable legal grounds.

Call on Civil Society:

To prevent further degradation of rule of law, the Ashanti Regional NPP called on key institutions, including the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), the National Peace Council, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), to intervene and address the growing disregard for constitutional procedures by state agencies.

The party maintained that while it remains committed to peace and legal order, it will henceforth use all legitimate means to defend its members against politically motivated targetings.

It reassured all party faithfuls to conduct their lawful activities without fear of intimidation.

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,

Kumasi.