Home - High Court Drama: ‘I’m surprised EOCO boss is still at post’ – Amakye Boateng

Political scientist Amakye Boateng has questioned why the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Raymond Archer remains in office, amid controversy over the handling of the case involving detained nurse Salomey Awiti Baffoe.

Speaking on Kumasi-based Angel FM, Boateng criticised the conduct of the security agencies in the case and said the situation could have political consequences for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

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“Personally, I am still at a loss that the EOCO boss is still at post,” he said. “As for this one I will not mince words. This is very embarrassing.”

His comments followed an incident at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, 23 September, when an EOCO official attempted to invite Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is representing Baffoe in court. The incident escalated as the MP drove away from the court premises. EOCO has maintained that its officers were acting in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Boateng also criticised the broader handling of Baffoe’s case, arguing that the approach by the police and other state institutions risked undermining public confidence in the government.

“The behaviour of the police in handling the lady’s case is sending NDC to opposition if they don’t know,” he said.

“The gains made, the stabilisation of the cedi, the President’s vision to build an expressway is being dismantled by the police’s action,” he fumed.

Boateng questioned the circumstances surrounding the use of state power against citizens and asked who ultimately benefited from the controversy.

“When did Ghana use political power to harass citizens?” he asked.

Salomey Awiti Baffoe remains in custody after the High Court in Accra on Thursday, 24 September, refused her application for bail.

The court said the cyber-related nature of the investigation created a risk of interference with witnesses and directed the Republic to expedite its investigations. Baffoe is facing a charge of abetment of crime linked to alleged publication of false news involving social media personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as “Ghana Jollof”.

Boateng said the controversy was particularly troubling at a time when many Ghanaians were already dealing with economic difficulties.

“At a time when people are faced with hardship, the struggles we are facing and we are being battered with this show of force, then Ghana will not be a place where democracy works,” he said.

He also directed his criticism at the Inspector-General of Police.

“So, whoever is the IGP, this is your work. I am really surprised these things are going on,” he said.