Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has expressed concerns over the attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the Accra High Court. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after a bail hearing for detained nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh. Kpebu described the event as a "retrogression" in Ghana's democratic development. He emphasized that established parliamentary procedures should guide attempts by state institutions to secure the attendance of a sitting legislator.
According to eyewitnesses, a woman believed to be an EOCO official approached Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah after he left the courtroom and asked him to accompany her to the EOCO office. The MP, who is also representing Ms Bafoh as her lawyer, drove away from the court premises, while another vehicle believed to be associated with security personnel followed. Kpebu questioned the manner in which the MP was approached, arguing that it was not in line with parliamentary procedures.
Kpebu stated that, according to the Parliament Act, Act 300, and the constitutional architecture, when a state institution needs to question a parliamentarian, they should write to the Speaker of Parliament. This allows Parliament and the relevant state institution to agree on a suitable time for the MP to make himself available for questioning or other lawful processes. He emphasized that this procedure is intended to prevent such incidents from undermining the country's democratic institutions.
The incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between state institutions and parliamentarians. Kpebu argued that approaching the MP on the premises of the High Court, particularly when he had been there to represent a client in a legal proceeding, was not suitable. He warned that such incidents could negatively affect public confidence in the country's democratic institutions.
EOCO has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest the Manhyia South MP in connection with an ongoing investigation. The Office said it had previously invited Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah twice in February 2026, but he failed to honour the invitations. EOCO described the attempted arrest as one of the lawful steps it had taken to secure his attendance.
The incident has raised questions about the balance between the powers of state institutions and the immunity of parliamentarians. While EOCO claims it was acting within its mandate, Kpebu and others argue that the manner of the attempted arrest was not in line with established procedures. The incident is likely to spark further debate about the relationship between state institutions and parliamentarians in Ghana.
The attempted arrest of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah is the latest development in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about the country's democratic institutions. As Ghana continues to consolidate its democracy, incidents like this will likely be closely watched by civil society, the media, and the international community. The incident may also have implications for the country's anti-corruption efforts and the role of institutions like EOCO.
Key points
- Martin Kpebu criticizes EOCO's attempt to arrest MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at Accra High Court.
- The incident raises concerns about the relationship between state institutions and parliamentarians in Ghana.
- EOCO claims it was acting within its mandate to secure the MP's attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation.
