'Baffuor Awuah ignored two invitations since February' – EOCO explains attempted arrest

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has disclosed that it attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on Wednesday, September 23, after he allegedly failed to honour two invitations extended to him in February.

According to EOCO, the attempted arrest formed part of an ongoing investigation for which the MP had previously been invited to assist.

The development follows a confrontation at the Accra High Court after the MP, who is also a lawyer, had participated in a bail application hearing for detained nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh.

“The Office had previously invited Hon. Baffour Awuah to assist with the investigation on two occasions in February 2026. The invitations were not honoured. 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 said in a statement issued on the same day.

EOCO said its officers were acting in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities when they attempted to arrest the MP.

The Office explained that the situation escalated during the attempted arrest, resulting in officers deciding not to complete the arrest because they believed further action could endanger public safety.

It also said it had identified two people who allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP's escape and was assessing their conduct for possible further action.

EOCO said the MP subsequently proceeded to the precincts of Parliament to seek sanctuary, despite Parliament being on recess.

The Office, however, said it recognised the constitutional privileges and immunities enjoyed by Members of Parliament and would ensure that its actions remain within 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. At the same time, EOCO will not take any step that is inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or any other protection provided by the Constitution,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the MP speaking at a press conference shortly after the development, explained that he decided to drive away from the scene in his attempt to protect himself from what he described as an attempted kidnap.