On October 1, 2026, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, surrendered to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after an Accra High Court issued an arrest warrant. Accompanied by his lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, the MP reported to EOCO on Thursday morning. He was later joined by First Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu, Effia MP Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, and other minority MPs who showed solidarity.
The High Court granted EOCO a warrant to arrest Baffour Awuah and seize documents relevant to an ongoing investigation on September 30, 2026. The court directed that the arrest be executed through the Speaker of Parliament. EOCO had invited Baffour Awuah twice in February 2026 but claimed he failed to honour the invitations. The investigation focuses on alleged unauthorised financial transactions at SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited, resulting in financial loss, dissipation of public funds, and money laundering.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai confirmed the warrant, citing Baffour Awuah's refusal to honour EOCO's invitation. However, the MP disputes EOCO's account, stating that the February 10 invitation was addressed to his former law firm's Senior Partner. Baffour Awuah claims he referred the letter to the Clerk to Parliament on February 18, and a representative of the firm cooperated with EOCO on multiple occasions, submitting a formal written statement.
This development follows an attempted arrest by EOCO officers at the Accra High Court Complex on September 23, 2026. The attempt drew criticism from the Ghana Bar Association. EOCO, led by Executive Director Raymond Archer, maintains that the attempted arrest was lawful under Section 19 of Act 804 to secure Baffour Awuah's attendance.
Baffour Awuah currently remains at EOCO as investigations continue. The MP's lawyer and other minority MPs showed support for him during this period. The case has garnered significant attention, with many watching the developments closely.
The EOCO's efforts to investigate Baffour Awuah are part of a broader probe into alleged financial irregularities. The outcome of the investigation and any potential charges against the MP remain to be seen. The case highlights the complexities of accountability and the rule of law in Ghana.
As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the situation and assess the implications for Baffour Awuah, his constituents, and the broader Ghanaian public. The case may have far-reaching consequences for the country's governance and financial oversight.
Key points
- The MP's surrender comes after an Accra High Court issued an arrest warrant on September 30, 2026.
- Baffour Awuah disputes EOCO's account of the events leading to the arrest warrant.
- The investigation focuses on alleged unauthorised financial transactions at SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited.
