Manhyia South MP Baffour Awuah detained after court‑issued arrest warrant

An Accra High Court issued an arrest warrant for Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on September 30, 2024, after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) told the court it had tried twice to get him to appear voluntarily.

Lawyer and NDC communications member Theophilius Dzimega Jr disclosed on October 3 that the MP only presented himself to EOCO on October 1 after the warrant had been granted, contradicting descriptions of the visit as a voluntary appearance.

He explained that the warrant had not been executed at the time of the appearance but that the MP had been placed on notice that authorities intended to arrest him.

The MP arrived at EOCO accompanied by his counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, and some parliamentary colleagues, and remained in custody as investigators continued their work on October 2.

Dzimega Jr questioned earlier invitations sent to the MP in February, noting that formal notices would have been difficult to rely upon for securing his attendance.

He argued that the circumstances surrounding the MP’s appearance should be described accurately, emphasizing that the MP was effectively pursued rather than arriving of his own accord.

EOCO maintains it made two attempts in February 2024 to invite the MP but was unable to secure his voluntary presence, prompting the court to authorize the warrant and a search for relevant documents.

The investigation concerns alleged unauthorized financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans, with authorities citing possible offenses of financial loss, dissipation of public funds and money laundering.

Parliamentary representatives have challenged the continued detention of the MP, demanding that due process be observed.

Public commentary on the case ranges from accusations of a political witch‑hunt to calls for adherence to legal standards and evidence‑based reporting.