Ghana's Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has spoken out about an incident at the Accra High Court on September 23, where personnel from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) attempted to arrest him. The confrontation occurred outside the court premises after proceedings concerning the bail application of detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti, whom Baffour Awuah represents as counsel.
According to Baffour Awuah, he drove away from the scene after a tense exchange with the EOCO personnel, who he claimed were attempting to arrest him without a warrant. He stated that he sought clarification from the woman who approached him about her identity, the reason for the proposed arrest, and whether she possessed an arrest warrant. The legislator alleged that the woman was unable to produce a warrant, intensifying his apprehension about the circumstances surrounding the attempted detention.
Baffour Awuah subsequently alleged that the circumstances reminded him of recent abduction incidents which he claimed were being sponsored by the state. He explained that, faced with what he regarded as an uncertain situation, he decided that leaving the area was necessary to safeguard himself and enable him to continue performing his responsibilities as a legislator, lawyer, and family man.
The Manhyia South MP further maintained that his decision was connected to his responsibility towards Ms Baffoe Awiti, whom he represents in court, particularly because her continued detention has implications for her children. He stated that he proceeded to Parliament, where fellow lawmakers joined him, and that his decision to do so was also influenced by scheduled parliamentary committee duties that he was expected to undertake following the court proceedings.
EOCO has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest the MP, but the agency maintains that the action formed part of lawful measures intended to secure his attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation. The agency disclosed that it invited Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with an investigation, but that the invitations were not honoured.
However, Baffour Awuah disputes EOCO's account, insisting that he was never personally invited by the agency and has challenged the interpretation of correspondence which EOCO says was directed to him in his capacity as Senior Partner of Sarkodie Baffour Awuah and Partners. A letter dated February 27, 2026, and signed by EOCO Acting Executive Director Raymond Archer emerged following Wednesday's confrontation, referring to an earlier invitation dated February 10, 2026.
The incident occurred after the High Court proceedings involving Ms Baffoe Awiti, whose bail application was adjourned to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the defence application. Ms Baffoe Awiti is facing allegations connected to the publication of false information associated with the Ghana Jollof TikTok account.
Key points
- Baffour Awuah drove away from the Accra High Court due to concerns for his personal safety during the EOCO arrest attempt.
- EOCO maintains that the arrest attempt was part of lawful measures to secure Baffour Awuah's attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation.
- The incident has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the attempted detention and the interpretation of correspondence between EOCO and Baffour Awuah.
