The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of Ghana confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. According to EOCO, the action was part of an ongoing investigation and followed two invitations issued to the MP in February 2026, which he ignored. The attempted arrest occurred at the Accra High Court, where the MP is representing detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti.
EOCO stated that its officers were acting within their statutory responsibilities when they attempted to arrest the MP. The agency had previously invited Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah to assist with the investigation on two occasions in February 2026, but he did not honour the invitations. EOCO subsequently took steps to secure the MP's attendance in accordance with the law, leading to the attempted arrest.
The arrest was not completed after the situation escalated outside the court. Videos circulating online showed a confrontation between the MP and EOCO officers, with the MP eventually driving away. EOCO identified two individuals who allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP's departure and stated that their conduct was being assessed.
EOCO stressed that parliamentary status does not automatically stop an investigation. The agency recognises and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament but will conduct its operations strictly within the Constitution and applicable laws. EOCO declared that it will not take any step that is inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or any other protection provided by the Constitution.
The investigation remains active, and EOCO will review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday's incident, including available video evidence, to determine its next steps. The agency disclosed that the MP subsequently went to the precincts of Parliament, despite Parliament being on recess.
The incident involved a confrontation at the Accra High Court after proceedings involving detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti, whom Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah is representing as a lawyer. The MP was heard saying, "You need me at EOCO for what?! Because I'm defending a poor woman, you want to arrest me."
EOCO's statement concluded that Membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law. The agency will take "such lawful steps as may be appropriate" regarding the two individuals who allegedly facilitated the MP's escape.
Key points
- EOCO attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on September 23, 2026, citing two ignored invitations.
- The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation, and EOCO stressed that parliamentary status does not automatically stop an investigation.
- The incident occurred at the Accra High Court, where the MP is representing detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti.
