The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has clarified that its attempted arrest of the Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, was part of lawful measures to secure his attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The clarification follows a video circulating on social media showing an altercation between EOCO officers and the MP shortly after he left the Accra High Court premises.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, EOCO said it had previously invited Mr Baffour Awuah on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with its investigations, but the invitations were not honoured.
The Office said it subsequently took steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law, leading to Wednesday’s attempted arrest.
EOCO said its officers were “acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities” when they attempted to arrest the MP in connection with the investigation.
According to the Office, the arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and officers assessed that further action could have endangered public safety.
“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 stated.
The Office further confirmed that Mr Baffour Awuah subsequently went to the precincts of Parliament to seek sanctuary, although Parliament is currently on recess.
EOCO said it recognises and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities afforded Members of Parliament and would conduct its operations within the Constitution and applicable laws.
It, however, stressed that parliamentary membership does not automatically bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law.
“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,” the statement 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,” it added.
EOCO maintained that the investigation involving the Manhyia South MP remains active.
The Office said it would review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s incident, including available video evidence, before deciding on its next course of action.
EOCO reiterated its commitment to discharging its statutory responsibilities while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law and the institutional privileges of Parliament.
