'I had to run to safety' – Baffour Awuah on fleeing EOCO's attempted arrest

Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has explained his decision to leave the Accra High Court after officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) reportedly attempted to take him into custody.

The MP, who is also counsel for social commentator Salomey Baffoe, said his decision was prompted by concerns over the identity and authority of a woman who approached him and claimed to be an EOCO official.

According to Nana Baffour Awuah, the woman failed to provide identification or any evidence showing that she had the authority to arrest him.

He said he offered to drive himself to the EOCO office to verify the matter, but the woman rejected the proposal and insisted that he use the vehicle provided by the officials.

His concerns, he said, deepened when the woman was unable to produce an arrest warrant after he requested to see one.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, September 23, Nana Baffour Awuah said, “It became obvious to me that it was one of the recent kidnappings that have been going on, which is sponsored by the state,” he said.

He said he consequently decided to drive away to ensure his safety, taking into consideration his responsibilities to his constituents, the Minority Caucus, his family and his client.

“And that is why I had to run. I had to drive to safety. I’ve come to Parliament and then my colleagues are behind me and I thank them very much,” he said.

The incident occurred after proceedings in the bail application of Ms Baffoe, who is facing a charge of abetment of crime over the alleged publication of false information linked to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.

The High Court subsequently adjourned the bail hearing to September 24 after the prosecution requested additional time to respond to the application.

Nana Baffour Awuah's side has also alleged that the attempted arrest was intended to intimidate or silence him because of his public defence of Ms Baffoe.

The Police have accused Ms Baffoe of assisting the operator of the “Ghana Jollof” account in disseminating content.