On October 3, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Manhyia South MP, appeared before an Accra High Court, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit intentional dissipation of funds, intentionally causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. The charges were brought by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Baffour Awuah, a lawyer and senior partner at Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah and Partners, stated, "I am not guilty," when asked to respond to the charges.
Baffour Awuah's arraignment follows his voluntary report to EOCO on October 1, after which he was arrested. EOCO had secured an arrest warrant from the Accra High Court on September 30, claiming that reasonable means to secure his attendance had been exhausted. The warrant also authorized a search for documents relevant to the investigation. The MP disputes EOCO's account that he ignored earlier invitations in February 2026.
According to EOCO, the investigation concerns alleged criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering, tax-related offences, and other matters. Reports link the probe to a GH¢2.2 million payment made to Baffour Awuah's law firm for legal services involving SIC Life, which the MP denies receiving. The case has garnered significant public attention, with the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, accusing the government of targeting opposition figures.
On October 2, EOCO stated that it was working with the Office of the Attorney-General to bring Baffour Awuah before a court in compliance with constitutional timelines on detention and bail. The Office denied media reports that he had been granted GH¢50 million bail with three sureties, describing the reports as false. Baffour Awuah's lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, also denied the bail reports.
The case has sparked controversy, with allegations of politically motivated targeting. Baffour Awuah's lawyer and the Minority Leader have raised concerns about the government's handling of the case. The MP's supporters and party officials have visited him in custody, expressing solidarity.
The court proceedings are ongoing, with the prosecution and defense presenting their cases. The judge will determine the next course of action, including whether to grant bail or proceed with the trial. The case is being closely watched by the public and the media, given its implications for the MP and the broader political landscape.
As the case unfolds, Baffour Awuah's fate and that of his colleagues will be determined by the court's decision. The MP's not guilty plea sets the stage for a potentially lengthy and complex trial. Key points in the case include Baffour Awuah's denial of receiving a GH¢2.2 million payment and EOCO's allegations of conspiracy and financial loss.
Key points
- Baffour Awuah pleads not guilty to charges of conspiracy, financial loss, and money laundering.
- The case involves a GH¢2.2 million payment made to Baffour Awuah's law firm, which he denies receiving.
- The Minority Leader accuses the government of targeting opposition figures in the case.
