Manhyia South MP seeks self-bail in EOCO case

Lawyers representing Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah will request self-recognisance bail when his matter is heard on Saturday, October 3. The MP was taken into custody on Thursday, October 1, after presenting himself to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) alongside his legal team. EOCO had secured an arrest warrant as part of its probe into alleged unauthorised financial dealings at SIC Life Savings and Loans. On October 2, the agency confirmed plans to bring him before a weekend court. In a briefing with journalists ahead of the hearing, Samuel Atta Akyea, counsel for the MP, stated that his client would fully cooperate with any investigation should bail be granted. He argued that, by longstanding practice, politicians who remain within the jurisdiction are typically afforded self-recognisance bail. "We intend to press the court hard," he said. "He has spent two nights in detention. Traditionally, if a person is a politician and is not leaving the country, self-recognisance bail is the norm." Akyea further rejected claims that EOCO had imposed a GH¢50 million bail condition, calling such reports unfounded. Meanwhile, Parliament has voiced worry over the continued detention of the Manhyia South MP, with officials asserting that his rights have not been breached and that EOCO is carrying out its mandate. Additional commentary from legislative figures underscored the need for due process, while other news items from the same outlet covered unrelated political developments, party activities and health initiatives.