Manhyia South MP Declined Two EOCO Invitations; Attempted Arrest Was Lawful – EOCO

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) says its attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament (MP), Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, was part of lawful steps to secure his attendance in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The clarification follows the circulation of a video on social media showing an altercation involving EOCO officers and the MP shortly after he left the Accra High Court.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, EOCO said it had invited Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with its investigations, but he allegedly failed to honour both invitations.

According to the Office, it subsequently took steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law, resulting in Wednesday’s attempted arrest.

“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.

EOCO said the attempted arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and its officers determined that continuing with the operation could have posed a risk to 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,” it said.

The Office also acknowledged that Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah subsequently went to the precincts of Parliament, where he sought 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 in accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws.

It nevertheless stressed that membership of Parliament 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,” EOCO said.

The Office added that it would not take any action inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or other constitutional protections.

“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 its investigation involving Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah remains active.

The Office said it would review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s incident, including available video evidence, before determining its next course of action.

“EOCO remains determined to discharge its statutory responsibilities while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law and the institutional privileges of Parliament,” the statement said.