NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande has admitted to instructing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. According to Gbande, the instruction was not related to Baffour Awuah's role as lawyer for senior nursing officer Salomey Awiti-Baffoe. Gbande explained that his instruction was based on concerns about Baffour Awuah's conduct, specifically his decision to openly defy an invitation from EOCO.
Gbande revealed that he met with the EOCO boss and told him to arrest Baffour Awuah, emphasizing that no individual should defy an invitation from a law enforcement agency and challenge the agency to arrest them. He stressed that allowing individuals to openly defy law enforcement agencies could undermine the authority of state institutions. Gbande maintained that his position was that anyone invited by a law enforcement agency over an alleged offence should cooperate with the process, regardless of their political position.
The controversy involving Baffour Awuah began on September 23, 2026, when EOCO officials attempted to take him into custody at the Accra High Court. EOCO said the attempted arrest was part of an ongoing investigation and followed two invitations issued to Baffour Awuah in February 2026, which he had not honoured. However, Baffour Awuah disputed EOCO's account, stating that the officer who approached him did not initially provide identification, proof of authority, or an arrest warrant.
On September 30, the High Court authorized EOCO to arrest Baffour Awuah, as well as search for and seize documents relevant to its investigation. The court directed that the warrant be executed through the Speaker of Parliament. EOCO's investigation concerns alleged unauthorized financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans, including suspected financial loss, dissipation of public funds, and money laundering.
Baffour Awuah has disputed aspects of EOCO's account, explaining that his former law firm had represented SIC Life Savings and Loans in recovering funds invested with another financial institution. Following the warrant, Baffour Awuah reported himself to EOCO on October 1, accompanied by his lawyers and some MPs. He was subsequently charged with three offences and granted GH¢10 million bail with two sureties after pleading not guilty.
Gbande also disputed suggestions that an enforcement agency was required to publicly announce an intended arrest before taking action. He insisted that if Baffour Awuah had committed an offence, the appropriate law enforcement authorities had the right to investigate and take the necessary action. Gbande emphasized that it was unacceptable for a political office-holder to consider themselves above Ghana's laws simply because of their position.
The case is scheduled to continue on October 26. Gbande's admission has sparked controversy, with some questioning the NDC's motives for targeting Baffour Awuah. However, Gbande has maintained that his actions were based on a security perspective, and that the NDC was not targeting Baffour Awuah because of his role as lawyer for Awiti-Baffoe.
Key points
- NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande instructed EOCO to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah over concerns about his conduct.
- Baffour Awuah was charged with three offences and granted GH¢10 million bail with two sureties after pleading not guilty.
- The case is scheduled to continue on October 26.
