The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) attempted to arrest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, over what the agency says is his failure to honour two invitations to assist with an ongoing investigation.
The attempted arrest occurred at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, shortly after the MP had represented his client, Salomey Baffoe, in a bail application.
EOCO later explained that the action formed part of steps to secure the MP’s attendance in an investigation. According to the agency, Baffour Awuah had been invited on two occasions in February 2026 but failed to honour the invitations.
However, the MP has disputed EOCO’s account and provided a different explanation of events.
What Baffour Awuah said
In a statement titled “Facts Regarding the Said EOCO Invitation,” Nana Baffour Awuah said he had never personally been the subject of an EOCO investigation.
He explained that the investigation concerned SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited, which his law firm, Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners, represents.
According to him, EOCO's letter dated February 10, 2026, was addressed to the Senior Partner of the law firm and invited him to report to the EOCO Executive Director or his representative on February 17 to assist with the investigation.
Baffour Awuah said that on February 18, after becoming a Member of Parliament, he responded to EOCO and informed the agency that he had referred the matter to the Clerk to Parliament for advice.
He further stated that a lawful representative of the firm subsequently cooperated with EOCO and appeared before investigators on March 4, March 18 and April 30, 2026.
According to the MP, the representative provided the information requested by EOCO and submitted a formal written statement dated April 30.
He said there had been no further invitation from EOCO after the representative completed the engagements.
EOCO's explanation
EOCO, however, maintains that the attempted arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation and that the MP had failed to honour two invitations issued in February.
The agency said the attempted arrest was a lawful step intended to secure his attendance.
EOCO also clarified that being a Member 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 action inconsistent with parliamentary privileges or other constitutional protections afforded MPs.
The attempted arrest was eventually abandoned after EOCO officers assessed that continuing the action could endanger public safety, according to the agency.
What happened at the High Court?
Witnesses and video footage from the court premises showed a woman identifying herself as an EOCO official approaching the MP and asking him to accompany her to the agency's office.
Baffour Awuah declined and later drove away from the court premises. The EOCO official attempted to stop him, leading to a confrontation before the MP left for Parliament.
The MP later told journalists that he became suspicious because, according to him, the official did not provide identification, proof of authority or an arrest warrant. He said he offered to drive himself to EOCO but the official insisted that he use the agency's vehicle.
Link to the Ghana Jollof case
The incident occurred as Baffour Awuah was representing Salomey Baffoe, who is facing an allegation of abetting the publication of false information linked to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
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The incident has also triggered debate over the procedure for dealing with a sitting MP.
Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor said Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution provides specific protections concerning the service of civil or criminal processes on the Speaker, MPs and the Clerk to Parliament, particularly when an MP is proceeding to, attending or returning from parliamentary proceedings.
The Minority has also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest, while insisting that state institutions must operate within the law.
ATTN: Facts regarding the said EOCO Invitation: The present arrest therefore appears to have arisen only after, I became vocal in the representation of Madam Salomey in the Ghana Jollof matter. pic.twitter.com/MMnlEhSkjY
— Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah (@NABaffourAwuah) September 23, 2026 AM GBA president 'attacks' Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie at 2026 Bar Conference Over SOE Comments Inside Zonda Tec’s Ultra-Modern Car Assembly Plant in Ghana