An Accra High Court has granted the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) a warrant to arrest Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. The arrest is in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities. The court also authorised EOCO to search for and seize documents relevant to the investigation. EOCO had expressed concern that materials pertinent to the inquiry could be concealed, altered or destroyed if the requested orders were not granted.
The development follows an earlier attempt by EOCO officers to take the legislator into custody at the Accra High Court on September 23. This incident resulted in a confrontation between the MP and officials of the anti-corruption agency. EOCO explained that the attempted arrest was part of lawful measures to secure Mr Baffour Awuah's attendance in an investigation. The Office had invited him on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with its inquiries, but the invitations were not honoured.
The MP has disputed EOCO's account, maintaining that the investigation relates to SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited, a client of his former law firm, Sarkodie Baffour Awuah and Partners. According to Mr Baffour Awuah, he referred the matter to the Clerk to Parliament after receiving the February invitations. He claims a representative of the law firm appeared before EOCO on March 4, March 18 and April 30, supplying information requested by investigators, including a written statement.
A letter issued by EOCO in February identified alleged financial irregularities at SIC Life Savings and Loans as the subject of the investigation. The correspondence was addressed to Mr Baffour Awuah in his capacity as senior partner of his former law firm. The letter cited Section 19 of the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010, Act 804, in requesting his assistance with the inquiry.
The investigation has brought renewed attention to financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans and Equity Savings and Loans. Mr Baffour Awuah explained that his former law firm was engaged by SIC Life to recover approximately GH¢3.5 million invested with Equity Savings and Loans. The investment, together with accumulated interest, subsequently increased to approximately GH¢14 million before the parties reached a negotiated settlement.
The Ghana Bar Association expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest at the court premises. The Association called for established legal and constitutional processes to be respected. With the latest judicial order in place, EOCO has formal court authority to proceed with the arrest of the Manhyia South MP and to conduct the search and seizure operation authorised by the court.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the issuance of the warrant does not by itself establish wrongdoing on the part of Mr Baffour Awuah. The substantive issues surrounding the SIC Life Savings and Loans transaction remain matters for the investigative and legal processes to determine. EOCO has maintained that its actions against the legislator form part of its statutory responsibilities and efforts to secure his attendance.
Key points
- The High Court has authorised EOCO to arrest Manhyia South MP Baffour Awuah over alleged financial irregularities.
- The investigation relates to SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited, a client of Mr Baffour Awuah's former law firm.
- The MP has disputed EOCO's account of the events leading to the attempted arrest.
