EOCO Statement: Manhyia South MP Arrest Attempt Clarified

• The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the Accra High Court on September 23, 2026.
• The attempted arrest was part of an ongoing investigation, following the MP's failure to honor two prior invitations in February 2026.
• EOCO stated the arrest was not completed due to public safety concerns as the situation escalated, and identified two individuals who allegedly facilitated the MP's escape.
• The agency clarified that parliamentary membership does not grant immunity from investigation or place an individual above the law, despite respecting constitutional privileges.
• EOCO affirmed its commitment to its statutory mandate, the rule of law, and reviewing all evidence to determine next steps in the active investigation.

However, it firmly asserted that parliamentary membership does not exempt an individual from legal scrutiny or place them beyond the reach of the law.

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has issued a public statement addressing a widely circulated video depicting its officers attempting to apprehend the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. This attempted arrest, which occurred on September 23, 2026, at the Accra High Court, was directly linked to an active investigation being conducted by the anti-graft agency. The EOCO statement clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing that their actions were part of a lawful process to secure the MP's cooperation.

According to the Economic and Organised Crime Office Ghana, the Manhyia South MP had previously received two invitations in February 2026 to assist with the ongoing inquiry. However, Hon. Baffour Awuah reportedly failed to honor these requests. Consequently, EOCO stated that it had taken appropriate legal steps to ensure his attendance, with the attempted arrest on September 23, 2026, being one such measure. The agency maintained that its officers were operating within their statutory responsibilities during the incident.

The arrest could not be successfully completed, as officers on the scene determined that any further action would pose a risk to public safety due to the escalating situation at the court forecourt. Following the failed apprehension, Hon. Baffour Awuah reportedly proceeded to the precincts of Parliament, despite the legislative body currently being on recess. Furthermore, EOCO has identified two individuals from video evidence who are believed to have intervened, allegedly facilitating the MP's escape. The conduct of these persons is currently under assessment, and the Office intends to pursue appropriate lawful steps regarding their actions.

In its clarification regarding the EOCO statement Manhyia South MP arrest, the agency underscored its respect for the constitutional privileges and immunities afforded to Members of Parliament in Ghana. However, it firmly asserted that parliamentary membership does not exempt an individual from legal scrutiny or place them beyond the reach of the law. The Economic and Organised Crime Office Ghana explicitly stated that being an MP does not bring an investigation to an end or provide a shield from lawful inquiry.

This position highlights the agency's interpretation of Ghana parliamentary immunity arrest provisions, affirming that while it acknowledges legislative protections, these do not equate to absolute impunity from criminal investigations. EOCO reiterated its commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, assuring the public that it would not take any action inconsistent with established parliamentary privilege or other constitutional safeguards. This stance clarifies the limits of such privileges when confronted with the EOCO powers of arrest Ghana.

The incident involving Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah and the subsequent EOCO statement serves as a significant indicator of the agency's resolve to pursue investigations against public officials, regardless of their position. It reinforces the principle that all citizens, including Members of Parliament, are subject to the law and must cooperate with lawful investigative processes. The ongoing Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah investigation remains active, with EOCO pledging to thoroughly review all circumstances surrounding the September 23 incident, including available video evidence, to determine its subsequent course of action.

This event underscores the critical balance between parliamentary privilege and the imperative of accountability. EOCO concluded its statement by reaffirming its dedication to fulfilling its statutory mandate while consistently respecting constitutional provisions, the rule of law, and the institutional privileges of Parliament. The agency's transparent communication regarding the attempted arrest and its legal rationale aims to maintain public trust in its operations and uphold the integrity of Ghana's legal framework.

This incident underscores EOCO's commitment to pursuing investigations against public officials, including MPs, and clarifies that parliamentary privilege in Ghana does not grant immunity from criminal inquiry. Lawyers should advise clients on the precise limits of such privileges and the consequences of non-compliance with lawful invitations from anti-graft agencies.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times