Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has disputed the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) account of Wednesday's attempted arrest. According to Baffour Awuah, he was never personally invited by EOCO. His comments come after EOCO stated that its officers attempted to arrest him as part of lawful steps to secure his attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation.
EOCO had claimed that it invited Mr Baffour Awuah on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with its investigation, but the invitations were not honoured. However, the MP has rejected that claim, describing EOCO's statement as false. A letter from EOCO, dated February 27, 2026, surfaced following Wednesday's incident, which was addressed to Nana Baffour Awuah in his capacity as Senior Partner of Sarkodie Baffour Awuah and Partners.
The letter, signed by EOCO Acting Executive Director Raymond Archer, referenced an earlier invitation dated February 10, 2026. EOCO disagreed with the forwarding of the invitation to the Clerk of Parliament and warned that failure to honour the invitation could result in measures to compel his appearance. However, Baffour Awuah's latest response suggests a dispute over whether the invitation was directed at him personally or at the law firm.
According to Baffour Awuah, EOCO subsequently dealt with his Managing Partner, Theresa, regarding a settlement negotiation case his firm executed, which was private in nature, involving a savings and loans company. "From that time, they have been dealing with Theresa, and they have never dealt with me," he said on Ekosiisen on Asempa FM.
The disagreement follows a confrontation outside the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, when EOCO officers attempted to arrest the MP shortly after he left the court premises. EOCO later stated that the arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and officers assessed that proceeding could have endangered public safety.
The Office maintained that its investigation involving Mr Baffour Awuah remains active. It also acknowledged that the MP subsequently went to the precincts of Parliament to seek sanctuary, despite the House being on recess. EOCO said it recognises and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities afforded Members of Parliament and would operate within the Constitution and applicable laws.
EOCO also stated 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 incident has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some describing it as an abuse of power and others calling for clarity on the procedures for arresting MPs.
Key points
- EOCO attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah outside the Accra High Court on September 23, 2026.
- The MP disputes EOCO's claim that he was invited to assist with an investigation in February 2026.
- EOCO's investigation involving Baffour Awuah remains active, the agency said.
