The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of Ghana has revealed that it attempted to arrest Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, on September 23. According to EOCO, the arrest was an effort to compel Baffour Awuah's appearance as he had failed to honour two invitations issued in February 2026 to assist with investigations. The invitations were part of EOCO's probe into an alleged publication of false news on social media.
The incident occurred during proceedings on Salomey Baffoe's bail application. Baffoe faces an abetment-of-crime charge related to the alleged publication of false news on the TikTok account "Ghana Jollof." EOCO's actions were lawful measures to ensure Baffour Awuah's cooperation with the investigation. Baffour Awuah serves as the lead counsel for Salomey Baffoe. The MP's attempted arrest has garnered significant attention in Ghana's legal and political circles.
Salomey Awiti, also known as Baffoe, was arrested by police on September 13 at her home in Hansua, Techiman Municipality, Bono East Region. She was charged with abetment of crime over her alleged publication and circulation of false news on social media. The court initially declined to grant her bail and remanded her in custody for two weeks. Baffoe pleaded not guilty to the charge of abetment of crime in connection with the alleged publication of false news.
According to the prosecution, Baffoe worked as an intermediary for Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, known as 'Ghana Jollof,' and supported the circulation of her videos by engaging other individuals to share and redistribute the material. The prosecution alleges that Baffoe facilitated the circulation of videos produced by Barbara Asantewaa Kodua by serving as an intermediary and enlisting others to share the content. The court has yet to establish these allegations.
The issue has sparked discussions on freedom of speech in Ghana. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a prominent Ghanaian politician, has spoken out on issues concerning freedom of speech. He noted that Ghana's democracy can only be strengthened when citizens are free to express themselves without fear of arrest or prosecution for their speech. Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of open and free public discourse in strengthening Ghana's democracy.
Dr. Bawumia's comments follow a plea urging the government to release a National Democratic Congress (NDC) organiser in Agona West who is facing charges over alleged offensive comments made about him. Dr. Bawumia stated that he neither lodged complaints nor sanctioned the prosecution of individuals who spoke against him during his tenure as Vice President or while the NPP was in government. He believes such actions would be imprudent and contrary to democratic principles.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia has added to the many individuals cautioning President John Dramani Mahama against assenting to the recently passed Tribunals Bill, 2026. The Tribunals Bill seeks to address the lacuna in the legal framework of Ghana regarding tribunals. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to give his assent in the coming days before it becomes law. The bill was passed by Parliament on July 16.
Key points
- EOCO attempted to arrest MP Baffour Awuah for failing to honour February invitations.
- The incident occurred during proceedings on Salomey Baffoe's bail application.
- Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of freedom of speech in strengthening Ghana's democracy.
