High-drama scenes unfolded at the Accra High Court Complex on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after security personnel from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) clashed with lawyers and supporters of detained senior nursing officer Salomey Baffoe Awiti. The confrontation centered around Manhyia South Member of Parliament and legal counsel for the accused, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
The altercation resulted in a physical confrontation and a tense vehicle pursuit outside the court premises. Videos circulating online captured a tense moment at the entrance of a vehicle where a female security officer attempted to block the MP from departing. Heated words were exchanged before a scuffle broke out between security operatives and members of the legal team.
Sources close to EOCO indicated that the operation was an attempt to pick up the Manhyia South legislator over allegations that he had failed to honour formal invitations to assist with ongoing investigations tied to the controversial “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account. Conversely, sources close to the MP strongly denied that any official invitation had been extended to him.
The MP's legal team had gathered at the High Court on Wednesday, September 23, for a scheduled bail application hearing. However, the proceedings took a procedural turn when the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the defence's submissions. Consequently, the High Court adjourned the bail hearing to Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Ms. Baffoe Awiti, a 40-year-old mother of three from Hansua in the Techiman Municipality, has been in state custody following her arrest. She is facing charges of abetment of crime, specifically the publication of false news, in connection with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account—which authorities allege has been utilized to criticize government officials.
According to police, forensic investigations into her phone records and mobile money transactions linked her to Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, the alleged primary operator of the account who is reportedly based in the United Kingdom. Mr. Baffour Awuah has previously criticized the detention, arguing that holding the nurse is unjustified given that principal investigators acknowledge the primary suspect is overseas.
EOCO has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The incident raises concerns about the handling of the case and the involvement of law enforcement agencies in the judicial process. The bail hearing is set to continue on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Key points
- The EOCO operation was allegedly an attempt to pick up the Manhyia South legislator over allegations that he had failed to honour formal invitations to assist with ongoing investigations.
- Ms. Baffoe Awiti is facing charges of abetment of crime, specifically the publication of false news, in connection with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
- The bail hearing has been adjourned to Thursday, September 24, 2026, as legal arguments regarding her liberty continue.
