The Minority in Parliament has condemned the reported attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the Accra High Court.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when the MP was at the High Court representing his client, Salomey Baffoe Awity, in a bail application.
According to reports, the court adjourned the bail hearing to Thursday, September 24, after the State requested additional time to respond to the application.
EOCO Officers Attempt to Arrest Manhyia South MP
After the court proceedings, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah was reportedly approached by persons who identified themselves as EOCO officers.
The officers attempted to take the Manhyia South MP into custody as he was leaving the court premises.
Baffour Awuah reportedly questioned the basis for the attempted arrest, insisting that he had not received an official invitation from EOCO.
The situation subsequently became confrontational as the MP attempted to leave the court complex in his vehicle. Video footage of the incident circulated online, showing an EOCO official approaching the MP’s vehicle as he prepared to drive away.
Minority Raises Concerns Over EOCO Arrest
Reacting to the incident, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned what he described as an unacceptable action by state investigators and called on President John Dramani Mahama to address concerns surrounding the conduct of government officials.
Afenyo-Markin urged the President to ensure that state institutions operate within the law and respect the rights of citizens and public officials.
The Minority Leader also called on the Chief Justice to examine whether investigative agencies such as EOCO should enter court premises specifically to arrest suspects or accused persons.
He argued that the incident raises broader questions about law enforcement, judicial independence, parliamentary privileges and Ghana’s justice delivery system.
Afenyo-Markin Calls on Mahama to Act
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin urged President Mahama to call his appointees to order.
The Minority Leader said the caucus was not opposed to accountability or the lawful work of state institutions but maintained that investigative agencies must carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the law.
He also expressed concern about what he described as excesses involving state institutions and urged the government to protect Ghana’s democratic institutions and rule of law.
“Mr. President, watch these excesses. Enough!” Afenyo-Markin said, while calling on the President to ensure that his appointees conduct themselves within the law.
EOCO Gives Account of Attempted Arrest
EOCO has since confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah as part of an ongoing investigation.
The anti-economic crime agency said the attempted arrest formed part of lawful steps taken to secure the MP’s attendance in the investigation.
EOCO stated that Baffour Awuah had previously been invited on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with the investigation, but the invitations were not honoured.
The agency said the subsequent attempted arrest was one of the lawful measures it took to secure his attendance. The arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and officers assessed that further action could pose a risk to public safety.
Incident Raises Questions About Arrests at Court Premises
The confrontation involving the Manhyia South MP and EOCO officers has generated renewed discussion about the procedures investigative agencies should follow when seeking the attendance of Members of Parliament.
The Minority has called for clarity on the legal procedures surrounding arrests on court premises, while EOCO maintains that its officers were acting within their statutory responsibilities.
The development is expected to keep Ghana’s law enforcement powers, parliamentary privileges, judicial procedures and EOCO investigations in the spotlight as the parties provide further details about the incident.
Source: newsthemegh.com