The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has provided an explanation for the attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
According to EOCO, the attempted arrest formed part of an ongoing investigation, with officers acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
EOCO Says MP Ignored Two Invitations
In a statement, the anti-corruption and economic crime agency disclosed that it had invited Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with investigations.
The Office said the invitations were not honoured, prompting it to take steps to secure the MP’s attendance in accordance with the law.
EOCO explained that the attempted arrest on Wednesday was one of the lawful measures adopted as part of the investigation.
“The Office has since taken steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law and the attempted arrest today represents one of the lawful steps,” EOCO stated.
EOCO Abandons Arrest Operation Over Public Safety Concerns
The Economic and Organised Crime Office said the situation escalated during the attempted arrest, leading officers to abandon the operation.
According to the agency, officers assessed that taking 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 said.
The development has attracted attention following videos circulating on social media showing the reported encounter between the MP and individuals identified as EOCO officers.
Two Individuals Allegedly Helped MP Escape
EOCO further disclosed that it had identified two individuals who allegedly intervened during the attempted arrest.
The Office said its assessment was based on circumstances captured in video footage, which reportedly showed the individuals facilitating the MP’s escape.
EOCO stated that the conduct of the two individuals is currently being assessed. The agency added that it would take any lawful steps deemed appropriate after completing its assessment.
Manhyia South MP Reportedly Seeks Sanctuary at Parliament
The Economic and Organised Crime Office also confirmed that Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah subsequently proceeded to the precincts of Parliament to seek sanctuary.
However, EOCO noted that Parliament is currently on recess.
The agency acknowledged the constitutional privileges and immunities enjoyed by Members of Parliament and assured the public that its operations would be conducted within the framework of the Constitution and applicable laws.
EOCO Clarifies Parliamentary Privilege and Legal Protection
EOCO emphasised that membership of Parliament does not automatically bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law.
At the same time, the Office stated that it would not take any action inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or other constitutional protections.
“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 stated.
“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 Investigation Remains Active
The Economic and Organised Crime Office has confirmed that the investigation remains active following Wednesday’s reported arrest attempt.
EOCO said it would carefully review the circumstances surrounding the incident, including available video evidence, to determine the appropriate next steps.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing its statutory mandate while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law and the institutional privileges of Parliament.
The reported incident involving Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah is expected to attract further attention as EOCO reviews the available evidence and considers its next lawful actions.
Source: newsthemegh.com