The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest the Manhyia South Member of Parliament (MP), Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the High Court complex premises on Wednesday, in connection with an ongoing investigation.
According to EOCO, the attempted arrest, which was captured on video by journalists was not completed after the officers assessed that further action could have endangered public safety.
In a statement issued on Wednesday (September 23, 2026), EOCO said its officers were acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities in relation to Baffour Awuah’s refusal to honour the February 2026 invitation.
The office said the situation escalated during the operation, prompting the officers to stop the arrest.
It said Mr Baffour Awuah had been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with the investigation but did not honour the invitations.
EOCO said it subsequently took steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law and described Wednesday’s attempted arrest as part of those steps.
Two persons
The agency also said it had identified two persons who allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP’s escape during the incident.
According to EOCO, the conduct of the two persons was being assessed based on the circumstances captured in the video.
It said it would take “such lawful steps as may be appropriate” after its assessment.
Parliament
The office said it was aware that Mr Baffour Awuah subsequently went to the precincts of Parliament to “seek sanctuary”, although Parliament is currently on recess.
It said it recognised and respected the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament and would conduct its operations in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.
EOCO said membership of Parliament did not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual “beyond the reach of the law”.
At the same time, the office said it would not take any action inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or any other protection provided by the Constitution.
Investigation
EOCO said the investigation remained active and that it would carefully review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s incident, including available video evidence, before deciding on its next steps.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is serving as counsel for an accused person in the “Ghana Jollof” case pending before the courts, on his part has been explaining what transpired between him and an official from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Wednesday at the foyer of the High Court complex in Accra.
A video showing the said EOCO operative attempting to forcibly take him into custody has been circulated on social media.
Baffour Awuah’s reaction to EOCO’s explanation
Baffour Awuah has since reacted to the EOCO explanation for the action and wrote the following in a statement:
FACTS REGARDING THE SAID EOCO INVITATION
1. First and foremost, it should be noted that Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has never been the subject of any investigations. Rather, it is SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited, a company Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners (hereinafter referred to as the Firm), represented and still represents in legal matters, that is under investigation.
2. The letter below from EOCO dated 10th February 2026, sought to invite the Senior Partner of the Firm, “to report to the Executive Director or his representative on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:00am at EOCO Head Office, Accra, to assist with the investigations.”
3. On 18 February 2026, Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, then Senior Partner of the firm, responded to EOCO, informing the Office that he was now a Member of Parliament and had therefore referred the letter to the Clerk to Parliament for advice.
4. Following the above, a lawful representative of the firm duly cooperated with EOCO interrogations, on three (3) different occasions (i.e. 4th March 2026, 18th March 2026 and 30th April 2026) and provided all the necessary information requested after which a formal written Statement, dated 30th April 2026, in relation to the matter was submitted to EOCO.
5. It is significant to note that since the lawful representative of the firm engaged with EOCO and provided the information and formal written Statement required, there has been no further invitation.
According to the MP, the incident occurred shortly after he had represented his client, Salomey Baffoe Awiti in court. Read also: Ghana Jollof case: High Court adjourns Salomey Bafoh’s bail application
