The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has explained its attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, EOCO said the attempted arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation and followed two invitations extended to the MP in February 2026, which the agency said were not honoured.
According to EOCO, its officers were acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities when they attempted to secure Mr Baffour Awuah’s attendance in connection with the investigation.
The attempted arrest, however, was not completed after the situation at the court premises escalated. EOCO said its officers assessed that proceeding with the arrest could have endangered public safety.
The incident was captured in videos circulating on social media, showing a confrontation involving the MP and individuals identified as EOCO officers. Other reports said the MP left the court premises in his vehicle following the confrontation.
EOCO also said it had identified two people who allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP’s departure from the scene. The agency said the conduct of those individuals was being assessed and that it would take further action where appropriate.
The MP subsequently proceeded to the precincts of Parliament, according to EOCO. The agency said it recognised the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament and would conduct its operations within the Constitution and applicable laws.
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, it said it would not take any action inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or other constitutional protections.
Mr Baffour Awuah has separately disputed the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest. He said a woman claiming to be an EOCO official approached him after court proceedings and asked him to accompany her to the agency’s offices. He said he questioned her authority and asked to see an arrest warrant, which he said was not produced.
The incident occurred after the MP had represented detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti in a bail application at the Accra High Court. The bail hearing was adjourned to Thursday, September 24, according to reports.
EOCO said its investigation remains active and that it will review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s incident, including available video evidence, before determining its next steps.
The agency said it remains committed to carrying out its statutory responsibilities while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law and the institutional privileges of Parliament.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
