On September 23, 2026, South Dayi MP and Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor expressed concerns over the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court. In a statement on social media, Dafeamekpor stated that law enforcement agencies must adhere to constitutional procedures when seeking to arrest or serve processes on Members of Parliament. He cited Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines specific protections for the Speaker, Members of Parliament, and the Clerk to Parliament.
According to Dafeamekpor, the established procedure for arresting a sitting MP requires matters to be channeled through the Speaker of Parliament. He described the reported attempt to arrest Baffour Awuah within the court premises as "absolutely unacceptable" and cautioned EOCO and other law enforcement agencies against actions that could undermine the authority and dignity of Parliament. Dafeamekpor emphasized that Parliament and state institutions, including EOCO, must maintain a cordial relationship while ensuring that the law is followed.
The incident occurred when Baffour Awuah, representing social commentator Salomey Baffoe in court, was approached by a woman claiming to be an EOCO official. She asked him to accompany her to the EOCO office but failed to provide identification or an arrest warrant when requested. Baffour Awuah subsequently drove away from the court premises. EOCO stated that the attempted arrest was part of lawful steps taken in connection with an ongoing investigation, noting that Baffour Awuah had been invited twice in February 2026 but did not honor the invitations.
Dafeamekpor also expressed concern about the timing of the incident, as Parliament was hosting an ECOWAS Parliament conference in Accra. He warned that procedural improprieties could affect Ghana's image both locally and internationally. The South Dayi MP emphasized that if Baffour Awuah is alleged to have committed an offense, the law should follow the procedure outlined in Article 117.
In his statement, Dafeamekpor referenced the case of Boyefio v NTHC, stressing that where a law provides a procedure for a right to be exercised, only that procedure must be followed. He cautioned that parliamentary leaders would resist any attempt to breach established protocols governing the treatment of MPs. Dafeamekpor's comments highlight the importance of respecting the constitutional protections afforded to Members of Parliament.
The incident has sparked debate about the relationship between law enforcement agencies and Parliament. Some have expressed concerns that EOCO's actions may have been premature or procedurally flawed. Others have called for a review of the protocols governing the arrest of MPs to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah has raised questions about the balance between the need for law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties and the need to respect the constitutional protections afforded to Members of Parliament. As the incident continues to unfold, stakeholders will be watching to see how the matter is resolved and what implications it may have for the relationship between Parliament and law enforcement agencies.
Key points
- Dafeamekpor criticizes EOCO's attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP, citing constitutional procedures.
- Incident sparks debate about relationship between law enforcement agencies and Parliament.
- Stakeholders watch to see how the matter is resolved and its implications for Parliament and law enforcement agencies.
