Akim Swedru Member of Parliament Kennedy Osei Nyarko has expressed concern over the conduct of security agencies, particularly the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following an attempted arrest of his colleague, Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. The incident occurred at the Accra High Court on September 23, where Baffour Awuah was representing a client. Nyarko questioned the manner in which the operation was carried out, citing the need for formal channels to be used, especially given Baffour Awuah's position as a sitting MP.
In a Facebook post, Nyarko urged President John Dramani Mahama to take a closer look at the conduct of security agencies, stating that they are gradually becoming rogues. He argued that if investigators needed Baffour Awuah's assistance, they could have contacted him directly or used established parliamentary channels, including the Office of the Speaker. Nyarko's comments come after EOCO confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Baffour Awuah, but the action was part of lawful steps to secure his attendance in an ongoing investigation.
According to EOCO, Baffour Awuah had been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with the investigation but did not honour the invitations. The agency said the arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and officers assessed that further action could endanger public safety. EOCO has maintained that it recognises the constitutional privileges and immunities of MPs, but parliamentary membership does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law.
The incident has sparked debate over the conduct of security agencies in Ghana. Nyarko's concerns were echoed by some Ghanaians, who questioned the use of force in the attempted arrest of a sitting MP. The incident has also raised questions about the balance between the need for investigations and the privileges of MPs. Baffour Awuah was at the High Court on September 23 as counsel for Salomey Baffoe Awiti, the nurse facing allegations linked to the “Ghana Jollof” case.
EOCO has since confirmed that it will review available video evidence and the circumstances surrounding the incident before deciding its next steps. The agency's actions have been criticized by some, who argue that they are an abuse of state power. Baffour Awuah himself has accused EOCO boss Raymond Archer of abusing state power.
The attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah has sparked concerns about the relationship between security agencies and the legislature. Nyarko's call for President Mahama to address the issue has been seen as a move to promote accountability and transparency in the conduct of security agencies. The incident has also highlighted the need for clear guidelines on the arrest of MPs and the balance between their privileges and the need for investigations.
The issue remains a topic of discussion in Ghana's political space, with many calling for a review of the laws and regulations governing the conduct of security agencies. The incident has also sparked debate over the use of force in the arrest of individuals, particularly those with parliamentary privileges. Key points to note include:
Key points
- The incident occurred at the Accra High Court on September 23, 2026.
- EOCO's actions were part of an ongoing investigation, but the agency's conduct has been criticized.
- The incident has sparked debate over the balance between the need for investigations and the privileges of MPs.
