Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, was being held at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Thursday, October 1, as investigators continued questioning him over an ongoing financial investigation. According to his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, the legislator had voluntarily reported himself to the agency and had been cooperating with investigators. The MP had been at EOCO for about seven hours, with his lawyer expressing concerns about his overnight stay.
The investigation centres on alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life, including a reported GH¢2.2 million payment to the MP’s former law firm as legal fees. Baffour Awuah has denied receiving the alleged GH¢2.2 million payment as legal fees and has also disputed aspects of EOCO’s account of its earlier attempts to secure his attendance. An arrest warrant was obtained by EOCO from the Accra High Court after earlier attempts to get the MP to appear for questioning had not produced the required outcome.
Baffour Awuah, the Manhyia South MP, appeared at EOCO on Thursday accompanied by his lawyer, while investigators continued searches at locations linked to him. His lawyer questioned why his client was still being kept at the agency, arguing that the MP had cooperated with investigators and had not resisted efforts to question him. The lawyer asked what the value was in detaining his client overnight and what it would add to the state.
The MP's lawyer expressed uncertainty about whether Baffour Awuah would be released later in the evening, as questioning had yet to be completed. With the MP still at EOCO as of Thursday night, it remains unclear when the questioning will conclude and when he will be released. The development has sparked concerns about the treatment of the MP and the ongoing investigation.
According to the MP's lawyer, Baffour Awuah had not resisted efforts to question him and had cooperated fully with investigators. The lawyer argued that detaining his client overnight would not serve any purpose and would only add to his client's hardship. The MP's situation has raised questions about the balance between investigating alleged financial crimes and protecting the rights of suspects.
The EOCO investigation into alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life is ongoing, with Baffour Awuah at the centre of the probe. The agency obtained an arrest warrant after earlier attempts to get the MP to appear for questioning were unsuccessful. The MP's voluntary appearance at EOCO on Thursday was seen as a significant development in the case.
As the questioning of Baffour Awuah continues, his lawyer remains hopeful that his client will be released soon. The MP's overnight stay at EOCO has raised concerns about his well-being and the impact on his work as a legislator. The case is expected to continue unfolding in the coming days, with further details likely to emerge about the investigation and the MP's involvement.
Key points
- The MP has denied receiving a GH¢2.2 million payment as legal fees from SIC Life.
- Baffour Awuah voluntarily reported himself to EOCO for questioning.
- The MP's lawyer has questioned the need for his client to be detained overnight.
