Former Majority Leader of Parliament Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has expressed concerns over the attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, describing the incident as unjustified and a threat to Ghana's democracy. The incident occurred at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, after Mr Baffour Awuah appeared as counsel for Salomey Baffoe Awiti, whose bail application was being heard.
According to Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had initially invited the law firm where Mr Baffour Awuah is a senior partner, not him personally. The firm was contacted as an entity, and its senior partner was asked to assist with an investigation in his capacity as an officer of the firm. A senior female officer of the firm subsequently appeared before investigators on three occasions and submitted a statement on behalf of the firm.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu questioned why the MP was subsequently traced to the court premises and an attempt made to take him into custody if the firm had already cooperated with investigators. He described the development as "an aftershock" that, in his view, had no justification. The incident has generated competing accounts from the MP and EOCO, with the investigation remaining ongoing.
EOCO has disputed the account that the matter had effectively been resolved through the law firm's cooperation. In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, the Office said Mr Baffour Awuah had been invited on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with an ongoing investigation, but that the invitations were not honoured. EOCO said the subsequent attempt to arrest the MP formed part of lawful steps taken to secure his attendance.
The attempted arrest was not completed after the situation escalated, with the Office saying its officers assessed that proceeding further could endanger public safety. EOCO also said it recognised and respected the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament, but stressed that parliamentary membership does not by itself bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also referred to Articles 117, 118 and 123 of the Constitution, which he said provide protections governing the treatment of Members of Parliament and parliamentary officials. He argued that Baffour Awuah, as a lawyer representing a client in court, was entitled to observe proceedings and discharge his professional responsibilities. The incident has raised concerns about the implications for parliamentary privileges and the relationship between state investigative bodies and Parliament.
The investigation remains active, and EOCO will review available video evidence and the circumstances surrounding the incident before determining its next steps. Mr Baffour Awuah has since invoked Psalm 91, stating that nothing will happen to him amid the EOCO row. The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for a review of the powers of state investigative bodies and their relationship with Parliament.
Key points
- The incident has raised concerns about parliamentary privileges and the relationship between state investigative bodies and Parliament.
- EOCO's actions have been disputed by the MP and the former Majority Leader, with competing accounts of the incident.
- The investigation remains ongoing, with EOCO set to review available video evidence and determine its next steps.
