The Minority in Parliament has criticised the arrest and continued detention of Maxwell Kofi Jumah, describing the move as politically motivated and aimed at silencing opposition voices.
In a statement, the caucus accused the government of using state institutions to target its political opponents, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding Mr Jumah’s arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
According to the Minority, the development forms part of a broader attempt to intimidate members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and weaken their ability to hold the government accountable.
The caucus referenced an earlier incident on April 14, 2026, when EOCO officers reportedly stormed Mr Jumah’s residence at Atonsu in Kumasi in his absence. During that operation, they are said to have taken away personal items, including a laptop and keys.
Describing the actions as unlawful, the Minority argued that Mr Jumah’s constitutional rights had been breached.
“These actions violate his right to privacy as guaranteed under Article 18(2) of the 1992 Constitution,” the statement said.
The caucus further maintained that EOCO’s actions must be free from political influence.
“EOCO’s mandate must be exercised without political direction or partisan bias. That standard, we contend, has not been met here,” the statement said.
The Minority also pointed to what it described as glaring inconsistencies in the fight against corruption, alleging that major procurement breaches under the current administration remain uninvestigated.
It cited findings by investigative outlet The Fourth Estate, claiming that “81 sole-sourced contracts worth more than GH¢73 billion” were awarded within seven months under the Big Push programme, with many bypassing competitive tendering.
Despite these concerns, the caucus insisted it was not defending wrongdoing.
“We believe fully in the rule of law and due process,” it noted, adding, “but the rule of law cannot be a cudgel wielded against opponents while allies wallow in impunity.”
Against this backdrop, the Minority outlined a set of demands directed at state authorities, including a call on the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to clearly state the legal basis for Mr Jumah’s arrest and disclose any charges against him, in line with constitutional provisions.
“He must be brought before a court within 48 hours of arrest or released,” the statement stressed, referencing Article 14(3).
Additionally, the caucus wants EOCO’s leadership to publicly explain the legal authority under which its officers entered and searched Mr Jumah’s private residence in his absence on April 14, 2026, and account for all items seized during the operation.
The Minority is also urging the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to immediately investigate what it describes as a pattern of politically motivated arrests targeting members of the NPP.
It further called for an independent inquiry into the alleged selective use of state investigative powers, including the failure to probe the Big Push sole-sourcing controversy.
The caucus maintains that the current situation raises serious constitutional concerns, warning that any arbitrary or discriminatory application of the law undermines public trust in state institutions.
ALSO READ:
