On October 2, 2026, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin revealed that the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) court warrant was specifically for searching the law firm of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, not his residence. Afenyo-Markin made this statement after visiting Baffour Awuah in EOCO custody. According to him, the court order obtained by EOCO clearly stated that the search should only be conducted at Baffour Awuah's law firm in Dzorwulu.
Afenyo-Markin explained that the court had directed the order be served on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who would then use Parliament's internal processes to serve the order on Baffour Awuah. This would allow the MP to make himself available to EOCO. However, EOCO informed Baffour Awuah that investigators intended to search his residence, which the MP found puzzling. Afenyo-Markin questioned why investigators were seeking to extend the search to Baffour Awuah's private residence when the court order was specific to his law firm.
Baffour Awuah had voluntarily reported to EOCO on October 1, 2026, accompanied by his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Accra High Court. EOCO had told the court that it had exhausted reasonable means of securing Baffour Awuah's voluntary attendance and was concerned that relevant documents could be concealed, altered or destroyed. The MP was taken to his former law firm on Thursday as part of EOCO's investigation into transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans.
Afenyo-Markin's comments come amid concerns about the search of Baffour Awuah's law firm and residence. The Minority Leader demanded Baffour Awuah's release from EOCO's custody, citing alleged political intimidation. He also urged EOCO to focus on pursuing drug kingpins rather than persecuting political opponents. In response, the government rejected claims of Baffour Awuah's 'kidnap' and stated that the EOCO officer was lawfully executing the arrest.
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) condemned EOCO's action against Baffour Awuah, emphasizing the need to protect the rule of law. The search of Baffour Awuah's law firm raised concerns about confidentiality, with his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, expressing worries about the potential breach of client confidentiality. EOCO is working with the Attorney General to arraign Baffour Awuah before a court by the weekend.
Baffour Awuah was formally charged with money laundering and loss of public funds. The MP's detention has sparked controversy, with some describing it as a form of political persecution. The case has garnered significant attention, with many calling for the protection of the rule of law and the rights of the accused.
On October 2, 2026, Afenyo-Markin visited Baffour Awuah in EOCO custody and expressed concerns about the MP's detention. He emphasized that the court warrant was specific to the search of Baffour Awuah's law firm and not his residence. The Minority Leader's comments highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding EOCO's actions and the detention of Baffour Awuah.
Key points
- EOCO's court warrant was specifically for searching Baffour Awuah's law firm, not his residence.
- Baffour Awuah was formally charged with money laundering and loss of public funds.
- The Ghana Bar Association condemned EOCO's action against Baffour Awuah, emphasizing the need to protect the rule of law.
