The NPP Russia Branch has defended the decision by Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah to report himself to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), describing his eventual appearance as evidence of the party’s commitment to due process.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Vaultz News, Communications Officer of the NPP Russia Branch, Abdul Razak Mohammed, explained that the MP’s earlier position was to seek clarity over the authority under which he was being asked to submit himself for questioning.
Mr Mohammed clarified that NPP did not regard the MP’s conduct as a refusal to cooperate with EOCO. Rather, he indicated that Baffour Awuah was seeking the appropriate legal documentation before responding to the agency’s request.
Referencing the subsequent court proceedings, the Communications Officer noted that EOCO obtained a warrant from the High Court authorising the MP’s arrest and the search for and seizure of documents relevant to its investigation. Honourable Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah subsequently reported himself to EOCO on October 1, accompanied by his lawyer and parliamentary colleagues.
“NPP is full of law abiding people. So, the MP was only asking for formality. It’s not like he was refusing or rejecting arrest,” Mr Mohammed explained.
Discussing the MP’s appearance before EOCO, he drew a distinction between refusing to cooperate with an investigation and seeking proper authorisation for an enforcement action. Mr Mohammed also referenced Baffour Awuah’s background as a lawyer, arguing that his request for clarity over the authority of the person seeking to take him from the court premises should be understood within that context.
On the branch’s position regarding EOCO’s mandate, he stressed that the NPP Russian Branch does not oppose the agency carrying out its statutory responsibilities, provided the process is guided by the appropriate legal procedures. The branch therefore views the court order as the formal basis for the MP’s attendance, allowing the investigation to proceed through established legal channels.
EOCO, for its part, has indicated that it made several attempts to secure Baffour Awuah’s voluntary attendance before obtaining the warrant. The agency subsequently placed him under arrest after he reported himself and indicated that he was cooperating with investigators.
Speaking on what should happen next, Mr Mohammed urged that attention now shift to allowing the investigation to proceed within the authority granted by the court.
He further noted that the MP’s status as a legislator should not place him outside the reach of lawful investigations. At the same time, he stressed that engagements between public institutions and individuals should be guided by clearly established procedures.
NPP Russia Branch Questions EOCO’s Handling of Baffour Awuah Investigation
The NPP Russia Branch also questioned the manner in which the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) initially sought to secure the attendance of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, insisting that investigative powers should be exercised through transparent and established legal procedures.
Speaking on the matter, Communications Officer of the branch, Abdul Razak Mohammed, explained that the concern of the party is on the attempted arrest of the MP at the Accra High Court on September 23, rather than on preventing EOCO from investigating him.
Mr Mohammed argued that approaching the MP at the court premises while he was carrying out his professional duties as a lawyer created an unnecessary confrontation.
Discussing the invitation cited by EOCO, he also questioned its relevance, explaining that the correspondence was connected to the law firm with which Baffour Awuah previously worked. According to the MP’s account, a representative of the firm subsequently engaged with EOCO and provided information requested by investigators.
“If the state possesses a credible legal case, then it must rely strictly on transparent evidence presented in a competent court rather than aggressive public chases,”
His comments contrast with EOCO’s account that the MP had been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with an ongoing investigation and that efforts to secure his voluntary attendance had not succeeded. The agency subsequently obtained a High Court warrant authorising his arrest and the search for and seizure of documents relevant to the investigation.
Referencing the agency’s investigative powers, Mr Mohammed reiterated that such authority does not remove the need for those powers to be exercised carefully. In his view, the credibility of an investigation depends on evidence and procedures capable of withstanding legal scrutiny.
On this, he urged enforcement institutions to clearly establish the legal basis for their actions, particularly where alternative legal avenues are available to secure an individual’s cooperation.
“The conduct of law enforcement agencies matters because public confidence can be influenced by how investigations are carried out. The credibility of an investigation should rest on evidence and lawful procedure.”
Abdul Razak Mohammed
The branch also rejected any suggestion that Baffour Awuah’s earlier response amounted to an attempt to evade investigators. Referencing the MP’s subsequent appearance before EOCO after the court issued the warrant, Mr Mohammed pointed to the development as evidence, from the branch’s perspective, that the disagreement centred on the procedure used to secure his attendance.
EOCO, however, has indicated that Baffour Awuah voluntarily reported himself at its offices on October 1 and was subsequently placed under arrest. The agency has also indicated that he was cooperating with investigators as it pursued allegations including criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering and tax-related offences.
Addressing the branch’s broader concern, Mr Mohammed clarified that its objection is focused on the manner in which enforcement powers were initially exercised rather than on stopping the investigation. He urged the relevant institutions to allow the legal process to continue while ensuring that investigative actions are supported by evidence and carried out within the authority granted by the courts.
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