Ghanaian Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has revealed that he drove away from the Accra High Court after a confrontation with security personnel, citing concerns for his safety. The incident occurred after the court adjourned the bail application of detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti. According to Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, he attempted to establish whether the woman confronting him had an arrest warrant, but she was unable to produce one.
The confrontation arose amid allegations that the security personnel were from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah alleged that the woman's actions were part of a recent trend of state-sponsored kidnappings. He claimed that the situation heightened his concerns, leading him to prioritize his safety and that of his family and constituents.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is also the lawyer for Ms Baffoe Awiti, stated that his decision to drive away was intended to protect himself and allow him to continue representing his client. He emphasized the importance of his role in defending Ms Baffoe Awiti, particularly given the impact of her detention on her family, including a four-year-old child.
After leaving the court, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah drove to Parliament, where his colleagues joined him. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support and noted that he was scheduled to undertake parliamentary committee work after the court proceedings.
The MP further alleged that the woman attempted to abduct him while he was heading to Parliament. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the identity and authority of the security personnel, had not been officially clarified in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
The High Court has adjourned Ms Baffoe Awiti's bail application to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the defence's application. According to the police, Ms Baffoe Awiti is accused of abetting the publication of false information linked to the Ghana Jollof TikTok account.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of Ghanaian lawmakers and the rule of law. The Minority caucus has called for calm, while also questioning the actions of the security personnel involved. An investigation into the incident is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
Key points
- The MP's confrontation with security personnel at the Accra High Court has raised concerns about the safety of Ghanaian lawmakers and the rule of law.
- Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah alleged that the woman's actions were part of a recent trend of state-sponsored kidnappings.
- The High Court has adjourned Ms Baffoe Awiti's bail application to Thursday, September 24.
