The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has clarified that its attempted arrest of the Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, on Wednesday, September 23, was part of lawful steps to secure his attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation. According to EOCO, the MP had previously been invited on two occasions in February 2026 but failed to honour the invitations. EOCO's statement comes after a video circulated on social media showing an altercation involving EOCO officers and the MP shortly after he left the Accra High Court premises.
EOCO said it had taken steps to secure Baffour Awuah's attendance in accordance with the law, describing Wednesday's attempted arrest as one of those lawful steps. The Office acknowledged that the attempted arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and officers determined that proceeding could have endangered public safety. EOCO further acknowledged that Baffour Awuah subsequently went to the precincts of Parliament to seek sanctuary, despite Parliament currently being on recess.
The Office recognizes and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities afforded Members of Parliament and will conduct its operations within the Constitution and applicable laws. However, EOCO stressed that parliamentary membership does not automatically terminate an investigation or place an individual beyond the reach of the law. This, EOCO said, means that the investigation involving Baffour Awuah remains active.
EOCO will review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday's incident, including available video evidence, before determining its next steps. The Office remains determined to discharge its statutory responsibilities while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law, and the institutional privileges of Parliament. Baffour Awuah's lawyers have disputed EOCO's claim over the February invitations, adding controversy to the situation.
The Minority Leader has outlined the procedure for security agencies seeking to arrest MPs, which involves obtaining permission from the Speaker of Parliament. The Interior Ministry spokesperson has also weighed in, suggesting that pursuing Baffour Awuah through Parliament would have made the arrest process more decorous. These developments indicate a complex situation with implications for the balance between parliamentary privilege and the rule of law.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions, with some condemning EOCO's actions as an abuse of power. The Chief Justice's recent comments on state institutions have also been drawn into the debate, with Baffour Awuah describing them as "extremely unfortunate." The MP has also spoken out about the incident, stating that he had to drive off to safety after the clash at the High Court.
As the situation continues to unfold, EOCO has identified two persons who allegedly helped Baffour Awuah escape arrest. The MP's lawyers have denied that Salomey Baffoe received money from the 'Ghana Jollof' account operator. The AKSA power deal, which is related to the investigation, has exposed serious failures in Ghana's systems, according to Baffour Awuah. The case will likely continue to generate significant interest and debate in the coming days.
Key points
- EOCO's attempted arrest of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah was part of a lawful investigation.
- The incident has sparked controversy over the balance between parliamentary privilege and the rule of law.
- The investigation involving Baffour Awuah remains active, with EOCO set to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
