The Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah, was arrested and interrogated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans. He was subsequently granted GH¢10 million bail with two sureties, both fellow parliamentarians, after the High Court determined he did not pose a flight risk. The court ordered the MP to remain available to investigators throughout the ongoing probe.
According to his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, Nana Baffour Awuah voluntarily presented himself to EOCO on October 1, at approximately 10:43 a.m., accompanied by his legal team, and spent around eight hours in detention before being subjected to further questioning. EOCO also searched his residence and office under High Court-issued warrants. Atta Akyea pushed for self-recognisance bail, pointing to his client's standing as a sitting MP and practising lawyer.
The case centres on an EOCO investigation into alleged unauthorised financial transactions connected to SIC Life Savings and Loans. Investigators are examining allegations that include criminal conspiracy, causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, and tax-related offences. The High Court, having heard both sides, granted the GH¢10 million bail while directing Nana Baffour Awuah to cooperate with the investigation as it proceeds.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai contested the defence's version of events, telling the court that EOCO first contacted the MP in February 2026 and made several subsequent attempts to secure his attendance. He referred to a failed attempt to arrest the MP at the Accra High Court on September 23 and the issuing of an arrest warrant by the High Court on September 30, arguing those developments were relevant to determining bail conditions.
Atta Akyea rejected prosecution framing of a GH¢9.85 million settlement as "dissipation" of funds, describing it instead as the outcome of a legitimate commercial settlement and the payment of legal fees. He explained that Nana Baffour Awuah's former law firm had been retained to recover funds owed to SIC Savings and Loans by Equity Savings and Loans, a process that led to prolonged litigation over attached property.
The High Court set return dates of October 26 and November 2, 2026, as the investigation into criminal conspiracy and money laundering continues. Nana Baffour Awuah will appear before the court at 10 a.m. on both dates. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, a fellow MP, had earlier reacted to the overnight detention of Nana Baffour Awuah by EOCO, calling it unprecedented in Ghana's history and warning that political power changes hands as the investigation continues.
The bail conditions and ongoing investigation have garnered significant attention in Ghana's political landscape. As a sitting MP and practising lawyer, Nana Baffour Awuah's case has sparked debate about the intersection of politics and justice. With the investigation ongoing, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.
Key points
- The Manhyia South MP was arrested and interrogated by EOCO over alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans.
- Nana Baffour Awuah was granted GH¢10 million bail with two sureties after the High Court determined he did not pose a flight risk.
- The case centres on an EOCO investigation into alleged unauthorised financial transactions connected to SIC Life Savings and Loans.
