NDC communicator Wonder Victor Kutor has rejected arguments that parliamentary privilege should prevent EOCO from pursuing its investigation into Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, saying Article 117 of the Constitution protects MPs but does not place them beyond the law.
Speaking on New Day on TV3, Kutor said he agreed that the Speaker of Parliament should be involved when authorities seek to arrest a sitting MP, but insisted that the provision should not be used to avoid an investigation.
“We say that it’s much more convenient if you involve the Speaker,” Kutor said.
“However, if a member of parliament, allegations have been made against you, and you know you have done nothing wrong, from February to October, you can just pass by the EOCO office, write your statement, give your side of the story.”
His comments followed the High Court’s decision to authorise EOCO to arrest Baffour Awuah after the agency said it had exhausted reasonable means of securing his voluntary attendance.
The court specifically directed EOCO to execute the arrest through the Speaker.
Baffour Awuah has since reported himself to EOCO and is cooperating with investigators, according to the agency. EOCO has also begun searches of his former law firm and residence as part of the investigation.
Kutor said Article 117 should be understood as protection for parliamentary work rather than a complete exemption from legal processes.
“Article 117 is a shield for MPs to protect them, we know, but it is not a lift to put them beyond the reach of the law,” he said.
“No MP is above the law. We must say this clear and clear.”
He also criticised the suggestion that the absence of the Speaker’s involvement automatically meant Baffour Awuah was justified in not responding to EOCO.
“That is the path of departure. That’s what I disagree with,” he said.
Kutor maintained that parliamentary privilege and cooperation with a criminal investigation were separate issues.
“Article 117 is a shield. It protects them,” he added.
The EOCO investigation centres on alleged unauthorised financial transactions at SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited. Authorities have linked the investigation to suspected financial loss, dissipation of public funds and money laundering, although no finding of guilt has been made against Baffour Awuah.
