The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has explained that its attempt to arrest the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Honourable Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, is part of an ongoing investigation being handled by the Office.
In a news release issued on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, EOCO disclosed that its officers moved to arrest the lawmaker in the course of exercising their statutory responsibilities. The Office indicated that the action follows earlier efforts to secure the MP’s participation in the investigation, revealing that he has been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with the matter.
The statement signed by the Head/corporate affairs and public education of EOCO noted that both invitations were not honoured, after which the Office began taking further steps to secure his attendance through what it described as lawful means. The attempted arrest on Wednesday was therefore presented as an enforcement step arising from the unresolved invitations rather than an isolated encounter involving the MP.
“The Office had previously invited Hon. Baffour Awuah to assist with the investigation on two occasions in February 2026. The invitations were not honoured.”
Economic and Organised Crime Office
According to EOCO, the circumstances surrounding the operation prevented officers from completing the arrest after the situation at the scene escalated. The Office explained that its personnel assessed the developing situation and determined that proceeding with the arrest could have created a threat to public safety. This assessment, EOCO indicated, led officers to discontinue the attempt at the point when the circumstances became potentially hazardous.
“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.”
Economic and Organised Crime Office
The clarification follows a video of the encounter involving the MP and persons identified as EOCO officers that circulated publicly on Wednesday. EOCO’s statement seeks to place the incident within the context of an investigation that has been ongoing for several months and for which the Office previously sought the MP’s cooperation.
The investigative body did not disclose the substantive details of the investigation in the statement but reaffirmed that the matter remains active. It further indicated that the attempted arrest should be understood as part of its statutory duty to secure the attendance of persons required to assist with investigations.
EOCO also stressed that its actions would continue to be guided by the law as the Office pursues the outstanding investigation. On the other hand, Honourable Awuah publicly described the encounter differently, alleging that a woman approached him after court proceedings and sought to take him to EOCO without producing documentation identifying herself as an officer or showing an arrest warrant.
EOCO Clarifies Parliamentary Privilege After Failed Arrest
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) also acknowledged the constitutional protections enjoyed by Members of Parliament while stressing that parliamentary membership does not automatically halt an ongoing investigation.
According to EOCO, the MP proceeded to Parliament while the House was on recess, in what the Office described as an attempt to seek sanctuary following the encounter. The Office, however, emphasised that it recognises the privileges and immunities afforded Members of Parliament and intends to conduct its operations within those constitutional boundaries.
“The Office recognises and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament and will conduct its operations strictly within the Constitution and applicable laws.”
Economic and Organised Crime Office
At the same time, EOCO drew a distinction between parliamentary status and the continuation of an investigation, stressing that becoming a legislator does not in itself remove an individual from the reach of lawful investigative processes. The Office consequently indicated that any future action involving Honourable Awuah would have to take account of the constitutional protections attached to his position.
“Membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law.”
Economic and Organised Crime Office
Directing attention to the events captured during the attempted arrest, EOCO further disclosed that two individuals had been identified in connection with the MP’s departure from the scene. The Office alleged that the two persons actively intervened in circumstances that facilitated the MP’s escape, adding that their conduct is now under assessment.
EOCO has not identified the individuals publicly in the release but indicated that any action against them would depend on the outcome of its assessment. “The Office has also identified two persons who, based on the circumstances captured on video, are alleged to have actively intervened to facilitate the escape of the MP,” the statement added.
Additionally, EOCO disclosed that it would examine video footage and other available evidence surrounding the encounter before deciding on subsequent steps. The review will enable the Office to establish the circumstances of the incident and determine how the investigation should proceed while taking the constitutional position of Parliament into account.
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