Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has condemned the attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court, describing the incident as a “retrogression” in Ghana’s democratic development.
His comments followed a confrontation between the MP and officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Wednesday, September 23, shortly after a bail hearing involving detained nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh.
Videos seen by ModernGhana News show a woman believed to be an EOCO official approaching Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah after he had left the courtroom and asking him to accompany her to the EOCO office.
The MP, who is also representing Ms Bafoh as her lawyer, subsequently drove away from the court premises, while another vehicle believed to be associated with the security personnel followed.
Speaking about the incident, Kpebu questioned the manner in which the MP was approached, arguing that established parliamentary procedures should guide attempts by state institutions to secure the attendance of a sitting legislator.
“So from what I'm seeing, it's a retrogression in our quest for a better democracy. It's a retrogression. So as far as I'm aware, by the Parliament Act, Act 300, and then the constitutional architecture, when you need a parliamentarian, whether he's on suspicion of having committed an offence, my understanding so far is that you would write to the Speaker of Parliament,” Kpebu said.
He said the procedure was intended to allow Parliament and the relevant state institution to agree on a suitable time for the MP to make himself available for questioning or other lawful processes.
Kpebu also questioned the decision to approach the MP on the premises of the High Court, particularly when he had been there to represent a client in a legal proceeding.
He argued that the manner in which the incident unfolded could negatively affect public confidence in the country's democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, EOCO has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest the Manhyia South MP in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The Office said it had previously invited Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah twice in February 2026, but he failed to honour the invitations.
EOCO said the attempted arrest was one of the lawful steps it had taken to secure his attendance.
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