The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has explained the circumstances surrounding its attempted arrest of the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Education on behalf of the Executive Director, EOCO said its officers attempted to arrest the MP in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The clarification follows a video circulating on social media showing a confrontation involving EOCO officials and the MP.
According to EOCO, the attempted arrest formed part of measures taken by the Office to secure Baffour Awuah’s attendance after he allegedly failed to honour two invitations extended to him in February 2026.
“EOCO wishes to clarify that its officers, acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities, attempted to effect the arrest of Hon. Baffour today, 23 September 2026, in connection with an ongoing investigation,” the statement said.
The anti-graft agency explained that the MP had previously been invited on two occasions in February to assist with the investigation, but those invitations were not honoured.
It said it subsequently took steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law, describing Wednesday’s attempted arrest as one of the lawful measures available to the Office.
EOCO said the operation, however, was not completed after the situation escalated.
The Office said its officers assessed that taking further action at the scene could have endangered public safety and therefore did not proceed with the arrest.
“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 stated.
The agency also said it had identified two individuals who, based on circumstances captured in the circulating video, allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP’s escape.
EOCO said the conduct of the two individuals was being assessed and that it would take any lawful steps it considers appropriate after its assessment.
EOCO further acknowledged that Baffour Awuah subsequently proceeded to the precincts of Parliament, where he sought sanctuary.
The Office noted, however, that Parliament is currently on recess.
Despite this, EOCO said it recognised and respected the constitutional privileges and immunities enjoyed by Members of Parliament and would conduct its operations within the Constitution and applicable laws.
The agency stressed that being a Member of Parliament does not automatically terminate an investigation 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,” it added.
EOCO said the investigation involving Baffour Awuah remains active despite Wednesday’s development.
The Office said it would review the circumstances surrounding the attempted arrest, including available video evidence, before determining its next course of action.
It reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its statutory responsibilities while observing constitutional provisions, the rule of law and the institutional privileges of Parliament.
The development comes amid heightened public attention following footage of the confrontation between the EOCO officials and the Manhyia South MP, who is also a lawyer.
EOCO’s statement did not disclose the specific allegations or details of the investigation involving Baffour Awuah.
The Office said its latest actions are part of an ongoing process and that further steps would be guided by its review of the incident and the applicable legal framework.
By 1960news.com
