Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, has explained his decision to flee the Accra High Court after an alleged attempt by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to take him into custody. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after proceedings in the bail application of Madam Salomey Baffoe, a social commentator and client of Nana Baffour Awuah. Madam Baffoe is facing a charge of abetment of crime in connection with the alleged publication of false information linked to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
According to Nana Baffour Awuah, a woman who identified herself as an EOCO official attempted to arrest him, but failed to provide identification, proof of authority, or an arrest warrant when asked. He offered to drive himself to the EOCO office to verify the invitation, but the official insisted that he use their vehicle, which heightened his suspicion. Nana Baffour Awuah told journalists at Parliament House that he believed the attempt was part of a recent trend of kidnappings sponsored by the state.
Nana Baffour Awuah stated that his decision to flee was informed by his responsibility to his constituents, the Minority Caucus, his family, and his client. He added that he had to drive to safety and subsequently came to Parliament, where his colleagues supported him. The High Court adjourned the bail hearing to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested more time to respond.
Nana Baffour Awuah's side alleged that the attempted arrest was intended to silence him over his public defence of Madam Baffoe. The Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, expressed concern about the alleged attempted arrest and urged the President to ensure that state institutions and officials operated within the law.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that the Minority was not opposed to accountability but maintained that state institutions must discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the law. He urged the President to use his remaining time in office to strengthen the country's institutions and ensure that their operations reflected the principles of accountability and respect for the law.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged arrest, including whether the MP had received a formal invitation from EOCO and the legal basis for the intended arrest, remained unclear. EOCO had not issued a detailed public statement on the incident at the time of reporting. The incident has raised concerns about the operations of state institutions and their adherence to the law.
The case has sparked debate about the balance between accountability and the rule of law in Ghana. The MP's supporters and colleagues have expressed solidarity with him, while the public awaits further clarification on the incident from EOCO and other stakeholders. The bail hearing for Madam Baffoe has been adjourned to September 24, 2026.
Key points
- The MP's fleeing of the court was due to suspicion of an attempted kidnapping.
- The incident has raised concerns about state institutions' adherence to the law.
- The Minority Leader has urged the President to strengthen institutions and ensure accountability.
