The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of Ghana has clarified the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South. According to EOCO, its officers attempted to arrest the MP on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation. The Office stated that its officers were acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
EOCO revealed that it had previously invited Mr. Baffour Awuah on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with the investigation, but the invitations were not honoured. The Office said it had taken steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law, and the attempted arrest represented one of the lawful steps. EOCO emphasized that its operations would be conducted strictly within the Constitution and applicable laws.
The arrest attempt was unsuccessful as the situation escalated, forcing EOCO officers to abandon the operation. The Office assessed that a counter-action would have endangered public safety. EOCO identified two individuals who allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP's escape, based on video footage. The conduct of these individuals is being assessed, and the Office will take any lawful steps deemed appropriate.
After the attempted arrest, Mr. Baffour Awuah proceeded to the precincts of Parliament to seek sanctuary, despite Parliament being on recess. EOCO confirmed that it recognises and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities enjoyed by Members of Parliament. The Office assured that it will not take any step that is inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or any other protection provided by the Constitution.
EOCO emphasized 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 Office reaffirmed its commitment to discharging its statutory responsibilities while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law, and the institutional privileges of Parliament. The investigation remains active, and EOCO will carefully review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Office will examine available video evidence to determine its next steps. EOCO's operations are guided by the need to uphold the law while respecting the rights and privileges of individuals, including Members of Parliament. The incident has raised questions about the balance between parliamentary privilege and the enforcement of the law.
Key to the matter is the principle that no individual, including an MP, is above the law. EOCO's actions are aimed at ensuring that investigations are conducted thoroughly and fairly. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions will depend on the evidence gathered and the applicable laws.
Key points
- The attempted arrest of MP Baffour Awuah was part of an ongoing investigation into matters that EOCO has not specified.
- EOCO had previously invited the MP to assist with the investigation in February 2026, but he did not honour the invitations.
- The MP sought sanctuary in Parliament after the attempted arrest, exercising his constitutional privileges as a Member of Parliament.
