Suame Member of Parliament and Legal Counsel to the Minority Caucus, John Darko, has stated that he will cooperate with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) if formally invited to answer questions regarding his alleged involvement in the investigation into Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. According to Mr. Darko, he has been informed that he is also involved in the investigation, although he has not received an invitation or been arrested in connection with the case.
The investigation centers on alleged financial offences linked to transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited and Mr. Baffour Awuah's former law firm, Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah & Partners. EOCO is looking into legal work undertaken for SIC Life Savings and Loans in connection with the recovery of a debt from Equity Savings and Loans. The original debt was approximately GH¢3.5 million but had increased to around GH¢14 million with interest.
Mr. Darko previously criticized EOCO's attempt to arrest Mr. Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court on September 23, describing the action as unacceptable. He argued that a sitting MP and lawyer representing a client should not be subjected to such actions without due respect for Parliament and the proper legal process. Mr. Darko also cautioned state institutions against acting outside the Constitution.
Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo has alleged that Mr. Baffour Awuah received payments from three entities connected to the transaction — SIC Life, Eco Swiss, and Equity — despite representing SIC Life. Mr. Baffour Awuah voluntarily reported to EOCO on October 1 following a High Court warrant for his arrest and was subsequently detained. His lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, has questioned the basis of the investigation.
Mr. Darko's alleged involvement in the investigation has not been disclosed by EOCO. He stated that he will wait for a formal invitation from EOCO before providing any information. The investigation into Mr. Baffour Awuah remains ongoing, and the allegations against him are yet to be established by a court.
The case has sparked debate, with some arguing that it risks looking like a display of state power. Others have called for due process and evidence-based investigations. Parliament has also questioned the continued detention of Mr. Baffour Awuah by EOCO, demanding that due process be followed.
Mr. Darko made these comments at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi ahead of the New Patriotic Party's national executive elections on October 3. He emphasized his willingness to cooperate with EOCO if formally invited, stating that he will provide any necessary information.
Key points
- John Darko will cooperate with EOCO if formally invited to answer questions regarding his alleged involvement in the Baffour Awuah case.
- The investigation centers on alleged financial offences linked to transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited and Baffour Awuah's former law firm.
- Parliament has questioned the continued detention of Baffour Awuah by EOCO, demanding due process.
