The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. This was part of an ongoing investigation, although details about the specific allegations against the MP were not provided. EOCO issued a statement acknowledging the incident after a video of the confrontation circulated on social media. The Office noted that Baffour Awuah had previously been invited to assist with the investigation but did not honour the invitations.
According to EOCO, Baffour Awuah was invited twice in February 2026 but failed to appear. The Office subsequently took steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law, leading to Wednesday’s attempted arrest. However, the arrest was not completed after the situation escalated. EOCO officers assessed that taking further action at the scene could have endangered public safety, and therefore did not proceed with the arrest. This decision was made to prevent potential harm to bystanders and the MP.
EOCO identified two persons who allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP’s escape. The conduct of these individuals is being assessed, and the Office stated it would take any lawful action deemed appropriate. Baffour Awuah subsequently sought sanctuary at the precincts of Parliament, despite Parliament being on recess. EOCO recognises and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament and will conduct its operations in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.
The Office stressed that membership of Parliament does not by itself bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law. EOCO emphasised its commitment to discharging its statutory responsibilities while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law, and the institutional privileges of Parliament. The incident occurred after proceedings at the Accra High Court involving detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti, whom Baffour Awuah represents as counsel.
Reports from the court indicated that the confrontation occurred after the hearing of her bail application. The bail application was subsequently adjourned to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested more time to respond. EOCO said the investigation remains active and will review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s incident, including available video evidence, before determining its next steps.
The attempted arrest and subsequent events have raised concerns about the intersection of parliamentary privilege and the rule of law. EOCO assured that it will not take any step that is inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or any other protection provided by the Constitution. The Office is balancing its duty to investigate alleged crimes with the need to respect the privileges of Members of Parliament.
EOCO's statement concluded that the Office remains committed to its responsibilities while upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. The incident involving Baffour Awuah has highlighted the complexities of investigating members of Parliament and the need for law enforcement agencies to navigate these challenges carefully. The next steps in the investigation will be closely watched by various stakeholders in Ghana.
Key points
- EOCO attempted to arrest Ghana MP Baffour Awuah on September 23, 2026, amid an ongoing investigation.
- The attempted arrest was due to the MP's failure to honour two previous invitations to assist with the investigation.
- EOCO respects parliamentary privileges and will conduct its operations in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.
