Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Raymond Archer, of centralising power within the anti-corruption agency and operating it as a “one-man institution”.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, May 9, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns over governance, accountability and institutional balance at EOCO.
According to him, recent developments surrounding the agency suggest that too much authority is concentrated in the hands of its leadership.
His comments come amid the ongoing legal controversy involving former National Food Buffer Stock Company Chief Executive Officer Abdul-Wahab Hanan and his wife, Faiza Sayyid Wuni.
The couple were re-arrested shortly after the Office of the Attorney-General discontinued charges against them, citing fresh evidence. The move has triggered public debate over prosecutorial discretion and due process.
Lawyers for the couple, led by former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, have alleged that they were denied access to their clients for more than 24 hours after the re-arrest.
EOCO, however, insists that all procedures were carried out in accordance with the law as investigations into the matter continue.
“Raymond Archer has made EOCO a one-man institution,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said during the programme.
He further warned against allowing state institutions to be controlled by individuals rather than systems.
“Strong institutions must not be reduced to the will of one individual,” he stated, while calling for greater transparency, oversight and strict adherence to due process in the operations of anti-corruption agencies.
