Manhyia South MP: EOCO Ghana Attempted Arrest Raises Immunity Questions

• An alleged attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by security personnel, believed to be from EOCO Ghana, occurred at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23.
• A video showed a scuffle where a man from the MP's team helped him drive away, with another vehicle following.
• Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu condemned the incident as a "retrogression" for Ghana's democracy.
• Kpebu stated that parliamentary procedure, based on Parliament Act 300, requires law enforcement to notify the Speaker of Parliament before an MP's arrest or questioning.
• The incident took place while lawyers for Salomey Baffoe Awiti were at court for a bail application hearing related to the "Ghana Jollof TikTok account" case.

He articulated that no single party maintains perpetual control, and the political landscape is subject to change, making adherence to democratic norms essential for long-term stability and fairness.

On Wednesday, September 23, an alleged attempt to apprehend Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah unfolded at the Accra High Court premises. Security personnel, believed to be affiliated with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) Ghana, were reportedly involved in the incident. A tense confrontation ensued between the legislator and these individuals.

A video widely circulated online captured moments of the event. It depicted a woman, identified as a security officer, positioned at the entrance of a car as Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah sought to enter the vehicle. An exchange of words escalated into a scuffle. Subsequently, a heavily built man, understood to be part of the MP's legal team, intervened by opening the car door, pushing the female officer aside, and enabling the Manhyia South MP to drive away. Another vehicle, presumed to belong to the security personnel, was then observed following the MP's car. The precise circumstances surrounding this confrontation, including whether the individuals were indeed EOCO operatives or if their intention was to execute an arrest, remain unconfirmed.

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu strongly criticized the manner in which the alleged Manhyia South MP attempted arrest EOCO Ghana incident transpired, labeling it a “retrogression” for Ghana’s democratic progress. Kpebu emphasized that such actions represent a significant setback in the nation’s pursuit of a more robust democratic framework. He argued that established parliamentary procedure dictates a specific protocol when law enforcement authorities require a Member of Parliament.

According to Kpebu, the correct approach, even when an MP is suspected of an offense, involves formally notifying the Speaker of Parliament. This procedure, he explained, is rooted in the Parliament Act 300 and the broader constitutional architecture governing Ghana parliamentary immunity. Once informed, the Speaker would then engage with the legislator and facilitate arrangements for their appearance at a mutually agreeable time and location. This structured process, Kpebu asserted, is crucial for upholding the integrity of the parliamentary institution and ensuring due process.

Martin Kpebu further underscored the importance of adhering to these established protocols by recalling past practices. He cited instances during the tenure of former Speaker Prof Mike Oquaye, where arrangements were made for police officers to meet Members of Parliament within the parliamentary precinct itself, rather than removing them from the premises. This approach, Kpebu highlighted, serves as a vital safeguard against potential abuses of power.

The legal practitioner warned that neglecting such procedures could pave the way for a ruling government to weaponize state security agencies, such as the police, to target outspoken opposition MPs. Kpebu stressed that political parties currently in power must exercise caution in how state institutions are deployed against members of the opposition, reminding all that political power is transient. He articulated that no single party maintains perpetual control, and the political landscape is subject to change, making adherence to democratic norms essential for long-term stability and fairness.

The confrontation involving Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah occurred amidst ongoing legal efforts by lawyers representing Salomey Baffoe Awiti. Ms. Awiti had been remanded for a period of two weeks in connection with a case related to the “Ghana Jollof TikTok account.” Her legal team is actively working to secure her release.

The High Court had scheduled a bail application hearing for Wednesday, September 23. However, this hearing was adjourned following a request from the prosecution. The prosecution sought additional time to formulate its response to the defense’s application for bail, leading to the postponement of the proceedings.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Ghana must be aware of the strict parliamentary procedures governing the arrest or questioning of Members of Parliament, particularly the requirement to notify the Speaker of Parliament. This incident highlights the potential for legal challenges and political ramifications when these protocols are not followed, impacting advice given to clients who are public officials or involved in law enforcement interactions.

Source: Original reporting via Emma Ankrah, 23 September 2026.