EOCO confirms attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP, says he ignored two invitations

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The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in connection with an ongoing investigation.

According to EOCO, the attempted arrest followed two invitations issued to the MP in February 2026, which he allegedly failed to honour.

The incident occurred outside the Accra High Court following proceedings involving detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti, whom Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah is representing as a lawyer.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, EOCO said its officers were acting within their legal mandate when they attempted to arrest the MP.

“EOCO wishes to clarify that its officers, acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities, attempted to effect the arrest of Hon. Baffour today, 23 September 2026, in connection with an ongoing investigation,” the statement said.

The agency said it had invited the MP twice in February to assist with the investigation, but he did not appear.

“The Office had previously invited Hon. Baffour Awuah to assist with the investigation on two occasions in February 2026. The invitations were not honoured,” EOCO said.

EOCO explained that it subsequently took steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law, leading to Wednesday’s attempted arrest.

However, the arrest was not completed after the situation escalated outside the court.

“During today’s attempted arrest, the situation escalated and the arrest was not successfully completed as officers assessed that a counter action would have endangered  public safety,” EOCO said.

Videos circulating online showed a woman who identified herself as an EOCO officer approaching the MP and asking him to accompany her. A confrontation followed near his vehicle before he drove away, with another vehicle believed to be carrying security personnel reportedly following him.

EOCO also said it had identified two individuals who allegedly intervened to help the MP leave the scene.

“EOCO has also identified two persons who, based on the circumstances captured on video, are alleged to have actively intervened to facilitate the escape of the MP,” the statement said.

The agency said it was assessing the conduct of the two individuals and would take “such lawful steps as may be appropriate”.

EOCO further disclosed that the MP later went to the precincts of Parliament, despite Parliament being on recess.

The agency said it respects the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament and would operate within the Constitution and applicable laws.

“The Office recognises and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament and will conduct its operations strictly within the Constitution and applicable laws,” it said.

However, EOCO stressed that being a Member of Parliament does not automatically bring an investigation to an end.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law,” EOCO said.

“At the same time, EOCO will not take any step that is inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or any other protection provided by the Constitution.”

EOCO said the investigation remains active and that it will review the circumstances surrounding the incident, including available video evidence, before deciding on its next steps.

By: Paulina Armah/Radio1.