A confrontation between Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah and security personnel from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has been linked to a 7-month-old invitation letter. The letter, dated February 27, 2026, was signed by EOCO Acting Executive Director Raymond Archer and addressed to Baffour Awuah in his capacity as Senior Partner of Sarkodie Baffour Awuah and Partners.
According to the letter, EOCO had earlier written to Baffour Awuah on February 10, 2026, inviting him to assist with an investigation. The lawmaker had responded on February 13, indicating that the confidential invitation had been forwarded to the Clerk of Parliament for advice. EOCO disagreed with the decision to involve Parliament, questioning the need to forward the invitation to the Clerk.
The invitation letter, titled “Invitation Pursuant to Section 19 of Act 804/10,” stated that EOCO had not recognised any established protocol or law preventing Baffour Awuah from honouring the invitation. The agency warned that failure to honour the invitation could result in compulsory measures to secure his appearance.
The letter surfaced following a chaotic incident involving Baffour Awuah and EOCO officers outside the Accra High Court on Wednesday. EOCO confirmed that its officers had attempted to arrest the MP in connection with an ongoing investigation but did not complete the arrest after the situation escalated.
EOCO stated that it respects the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament but stressed that parliamentary membership does not terminate an investigation or place an individual beyond the reach of the law. Baffour Awuah subsequently sought sanctuary in Parliament, despite the House being on recess.
The MP's lawyers have disputed EOCO's claim over the February invitations, and Baffour Awuah has stated that EOCO never personally invited him. The incident has sparked debate on the protocol for arresting MPs, with some arguing that EOCO should have gone through the Speaker of Parliament.
Key stakeholders, including the Interior Ministry spokesperson, have weighed in on the issue, suggesting that pursuing Baffour Awuah through Parliament would have made the arrest process more decorous. The incident has raised concerns about the balance between parliamentary privileges and the rule of law.
Key points
- EOCO's attempt to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has sparked controversy over the protocol for arresting members of parliament.
- A 7-month-old invitation letter from EOCO to Baffour Awuah has surfaced, revealing efforts to secure his attendance for an investigation.
- The incident has raised concerns about the balance between parliamentary privileges and the rule of law in Ghana.
