Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Raymond Archer, accusing him of running the anti-corruption agency in an overly centralised manner.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, May 9, Mr Afenyo-Markin described EOCO as a “one-man institution” and raised concerns about governance, accountability and institutional balance within the agency.
According to him, recent developments surrounding EOCO’s operations suggest an excessive concentration of authority in the hands of its leadership.
His comments come amid ongoing controversy surrounding the legal case involving former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, 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 the emergence of fresh evidence. The development has since triggered public and legal debate over prosecutorial discretion and due process.
Lawyers representing 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 following the re-arrest.
EOCO, however, has maintained 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 stated.
He further cautioned against allowing state institutions to become overly dependent on the authority of one individual, stressing the importance of transparency, institutional oversight and adherence to due process in the operations of anti-corruption agencies.
“Strong institutions must not be reduced to the will of one individual,” he added.
