The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has defended its attempt to arrest the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, insisting that his parliamentary status does not place him beyond the reach of the law.
In a press release signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Education, EOCO confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest the MP on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the High Court complex in Accra in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The office said Mr Awuah had previously been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with investigations but failed to honour the invitations.
According to EOCO, Wednesday’s attempted arrest formed part of lawful steps taken to secure his attendance.
EOCO disclosed that the arrest was not completed after officers assessed that further action could have endangered public safety.
The incident, which was captured on video and has since circulated widely on social media, showed an EOCO operative approaching the MP at the court premises.
The office also revealed that it has identified two persons who, based on the circumstances captured on video, allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP’s escape. Their conduct is being assessed, and EOCO said it will take “such lawful steps as may be appropriate” afterwards.
EOCO noted that Mr Baffour Awuah subsequently went to the precincts of Parliament to “seek sanctuary,” even though the House is currently on recess.
While acknowledging the constitutional privileges and immunities of MPs, EOCO stressed that “membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law.”
“At the same time, EOCO will not take any action that is inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or any other protection provided by the Constitution,” the statement added.
EOCO assured the public that the investigation remains active and that it will carefully review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s incident, including available video evidence, to guide its next steps.
It reaffirmed its commitment to discharging its statutory responsibilities while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law, and the institutional privileges of Parliament.
The attempted arrest occurred shortly after the MP had represented his client, Salomey Baffoe Awiti, in the pending “Ghana Jollof” case at the High Court.
Mr Baffour Awuah has since disputed EOCO’s account, stating that he was never the subject of any investigation.
According to him, the probe targets SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited, a client of his law firm, Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners.
He said he referred EOCO’s February invitation to the Clerk of Parliament after becoming an MP, and that a lawful representative of the firm cooperated with EOCO on three occasions, submitting a formal written statement on April 30, 2026.
The incident has sparked debate over the intersection of parliamentary privilege and criminal investigations in Ghana.
