The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has expressed concerns over the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) explanation for an attempted arrest at the High Court complex in Accra. A video of the incident, which showed an EOCO operative trying to take him into custody, was widely shared on social media. According to EOCO, the attempt was part of an ongoing investigation and followed two unhonored invitations sent to Baffour Awuah in February 2026.
Baffour Awuah, who serves as counsel for an accused person in the "Ghana Jollof" case, disputes EOCO's account. He stated that he had responded to EOCO's invitation, referring the matter to the Clerk to Parliament for advice, and subsequently cooperated with EOCO interrogations on three occasions. A formal written statement was submitted to EOCO on April 30, 2026. Baffour Awuah claims that there has been no further invitation since then.
The incident occurred after Baffour Awuah represented his client, Salomey Baffoe Awiti, in court. A woman approached him, stating that he was needed at EOCO, but Baffour Awuah questioned why he had not been formally invited. He asked the woman to identify herself and produce an arrest warrant, which she was unable to do. Baffour Awuah offered to drive himself to EOCO, but the woman insisted on taking him in their vehicle, raising his suspicions.
Baffour Awuah expressed concerns that the incident was similar to recent kidnappings sponsored by the state. He drove away, and the pursuit continued as he headed towards Parliament, where he was joined by colleagues. Video footage shows a tense encounter between Baffour Awuah's vehicle and the EOCO operative. A scuffle broke out before a member of his legal team opened the door, allowing Baffour Awuah to drive off.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, called on the Chief Justice to examine the manner in which arrests were conducted on court premises. He stated that Baffour Awuah, as a lawyer, was confronted by EOCO officials immediately after leaving the courtroom. EOCO, however, maintains that its officers were lawfully discharging their duties and that Baffour Awuah's failure to honor the February 2026 invitations prompted the attempted arrest.
EOCO identified two persons who allegedly helped Baffour Awuah leave the scene and is reviewing their conduct for possible action. The Office emphasized that parliamentary privileges do not exempt individuals from investigations or the law. The investigation into the "Ghana Jollof" case remains active, and EOCO will review the incident, including available video footage, before deciding on its next steps.
The incident is linked to the "Ghana Jollof" case, involving Salomey Baffoe Awiti, a 40-year-old nurse and mother of three, who is in state custody. The prosecution has accused her of offenses related to the case. Baffour Awuah's dispute with EOCO highlights the complexities of balancing parliamentary privileges with the need for investigations and the rule of law.
Key points
- EOCO attempted to arrest Baffour Awuah at the High Court complex in Accra.
- Baffour Awuah disputes EOCO's account, citing cooperation with previous investigations.
- The incident is linked to the ongoing "Ghana Jollof" case.
