The Ashanti Regional branch of Ghana's opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the Accra High Court. According to the party, an officer from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) attempted to serve Baffour Awuah with an invitation or arrest him at about noon on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The incident, captured on video, led to a confrontation between the officer and the MP's lawyers.
The NPP stated that Baffour Awuah was at the court in his capacity as counsel for Salomey Baffoe Awiti, a nurse currently in police custody, whose bail application was before the court. The party described the attempted arrest as "unlawful" and an "attempted kidnapping", accusing state security agencies of targeting opposition members. The incident has sparked controversy, with the NPP calling on EOCO to investigate the officer's conduct and take action.
The Ashanti NPP also linked the incident to the ongoing controversy over cocaine trafficking in Ghana, calling on the Speaker of Parliament to establish a bipartisan committee to investigate the alleged cocaine scandal under the current National Democratic Congress government. The party warned that any actions against its members intended to prevent them from speaking about the cocaine allegations would be viewed as intimidation.
The NPP appealed to the National Peace Council, Ghana Bar Association, civil society groups, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to speak out against what it described as abuses of citizens' rights. The party emphasized that it would use all lawful and constitutional means available to challenge what it considers unlawful actions by EOCO and other state agencies.
According to EOCO, the attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah was linked to an ongoing investigation, and the agency had previously invited him to assist with the inquiry. However, the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest and the legal basis for the action remain disputed. The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of state agencies and the protection of MPs' rights.
The Ashanti Regional Secretary of NPP, Dr. Francis Adomako, signed a statement on behalf of the party, condemning the incident and demanding action from EOCO and other authorities. The party's reaction reflects a broader concern about the use of state power and the potential for abuse of authority in Ghana.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the limits of state power and the protection of citizens' rights in Ghana. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the NPP's demands and what implications this incident will have for the country's democratic processes.
Key points
- The NPP Ashanti Region has condemned the attempted arrest of MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, citing a breach of constitutional procedures.
- The incident has been linked to the ongoing controversy over cocaine trafficking in Ghana.
- The party has called for a bipartisan committee to investigate the alleged cocaine scandal under the current government.
