The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is not violating the rights of Baffour Awuah, the Manhyia South MP, according to Theophelious Dzimegah Jnr, a communications team member of the NDC. Dzimegah stated that EOCO is simply performing its duties in investigating alleged financial offences, including money laundering, linked to the MP. He pointed to Article 14(3) of the Constitution, which outlines the timeframe for bringing a detained person before a court.
Dzimegah's comments come amid controversy surrounding EOCO's handling of the case. The MP was initially resistant to EOCO's attempts to arrest him on September 23, 2026, at the Accra High Court, claiming it was an unlawful arrest and attempted kidnapping. He then sought refuge at Parliament. EOCO had issued two invitations to the MP, which he allegedly failed to honour. However, his lawyers dispute this account, stating that the correspondence concerned his role as Senior Partner of Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah and Partners.
According to Dzimegah, the MP should have presented himself to investigators given his role at the law firm linked to the transactions under investigation. He argued that EOCO was right to seek the MP's cooperation to establish the circumstances of the alleged offences. The High Court issued an arrest warrant for the MP on September 30 after EOCO claimed it had exhausted reasonable means of securing his voluntary attendance.
Baffour Awuah eventually reported to EOCO on October 1 and was arrested. EOCO later stated that he was cooperating with investigators. His lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, claimed that EOCO had presented charges including money laundering and causing financial loss to the state, which the MP rejects. Akyea argued that the transactions arose from legitimate legal services provided to recover an investment for SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited.
On October 2, EOCO updated that it was working with the Attorney-General's Office to bring the MP before a court within the applicable constitutional and procedural requirements. The office also dismissed reports that the MP had been granted GH¢50 million bail. Dzimegah's defence of EOCO's actions highlights the complexities of the case and the competing claims of the parties involved.
The case has sparked significant attention due to the allegations of financial impropriety and the MP's resistance to EOCO's attempts to investigate. The NDC's Dzimegah emphasized that EOCO's actions are in line with its mandate and the Constitution. The opposition's stance may influence public perception of the case, which will likely continue to unfold in the coming days.
As the case progresses, the courts will ultimately determine the validity of the charges against Baffour Awuah and the legitimacy of EOCO's actions. The Attorney-General's Office will play a crucial role in deciding how to proceed with the case. The outcome will have implications for the MP's future and potentially for the broader fight against corruption and financial crime in Ghana.
Key points
- Theophelious Dzimegah Jnr defends EOCO's actions in Baffour Awuah's case as constitutional.
- Baffour Awuah was arrested on October 1 and is cooperating with investigators, according to EOCO.
- The case involves allegations of money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.
