Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has spoken out against the attempted arrest of the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. The incident occurred on September 24, 2026, at the court premises where Baffour Awuah was attending proceedings involving one of his clients. According to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the National Intelligence Bureau's actions raise serious questions about the conduct and oversight of intelligence agencies, particularly in their dealings with Members of Parliament.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu pointed out that the law firm where Baffour Awuah is a senior partner had already responded to an earlier invitation from the investigators. The invitation was directed at the law firm as an entity, with Baffour Awuah expected to assist in his capacity as a senior officer of the firm. A female senior officer subsequently appeared before investigators on three occasions and eventually submitted a statement on behalf of the firm.
The former Majority Leader questioned why the MP was pursued to court and an attempt made to arrest him when, according to his account, the law firm had already cooperated with the investigators. He criticized the explanation subsequently given by the intelligence authorities, saying it failed to acknowledge the earlier engagement with the law firm.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described the incident as unnecessary and unfortunate and warned that it should not be allowed to escalate. He emphasized that the incident has triggered questions about the appropriate limits of intelligence and investigative agencies when dealing with elected representatives, particularly where parliamentary privilege and legal proceedings are involved.
The former Majority Leader relied on Article 123 of the Constitution, which gives an MP the opportunity to witness at first hand situations in which a citizen is suffering affliction, persecution or a breach of freedom and to bring such matters before Parliament. He argued that Baffour Awuah, as a lawyer, was also entitled to be present at court proceedings involving his client.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that the constitutional provisions should be respected to prevent similar confrontations between state agencies and Parliament in future. He also highlighted the importance of Article 117 and 118(1) and (2) of the Constitution, which provide clear safeguards governing how MPs and other parliamentary officers should be engaged.
The incident has sparked concerns about the relationship between state agencies and Parliament, with Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu warning that it is "dangerous to our democracy." The Manhyia South MP was at the court premises in connection with proceedings involving one of his clients when the attempted arrest occurred. He subsequently went to Parliament, where he sought sanctuary and addressed the incident.
Key points
- The incident raises questions about the conduct and oversight of intelligence agencies.
- Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the importance of respecting constitutional provisions.
- The attempted arrest has sparked concerns about the relationship between state agencies and Parliament.
