NDC Communicator Clarifies Role of Article 117 in Baffour Awuah Investigation
NDC’s Wonder Victor Kutor insists parliamentary privilege under Article 117 does not exempt MPs from investigation, urging cooperation with EOCO.
NDC communicator Wonder Victor Kutor has clarified that parliamentary privilege under Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution protects MPs in the performance of official duties but does not exempt them from criminal investigations. Kutor made the statement during a New Day interview on TV3, following the High Court’s directive for EOCO to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah over alleged financial misconduct linked to SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited.
The court instructed EOCO to carry out the arrest through the Speaker of Parliament, though Kutor noted that such involvement does not justify non‑cooperation. He said MPs who believe they have done nothing wrong should still present their defence voluntarily to the Office of the Special Prosecutor before being arrested or searched.
Kutor emphasized that Article 117 is a shield, not a lift, that places MPs above the law. “No MP is above the law,” he said. “Article 117 protects them in their function, but it does not give them immunity from investigations.”
The MP’s comments came after EOCO confirmed it had begun searching Awuah’s former law firm and residence as part of its probe into alleged unauthorised financial transactions. Awuah has reported himself to EOCO and is cooperating fully with investigators.
The investigation into Awuah focuses on suspected money laundering, dissipation of public funds and unauthorised financial dealings at SIC Life. EOCO has not yet found conclusive evidence of wrongdoing.
Kutor also rejected claims that the Speaker’s absence should excuse non‑cooperation, calling such reasoning “a departure from the law.” He stressed that cooperation with EOCO is a legal obligation, regardless of parliamentary protocol.
Political analysts say the stance reflects growing scrutiny of parliamentary immunity in corruption cases. Party executives have not commented publicly on the matter.
Kutor urged all MPs to respect the legal process while upholding the spirit of parliamentary oversight.
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On Tuesday, a High Court in Accra will host a hearing on EOCO’s continued request to detain Awuah for further interrogation. The court has ordered both parties to file written submissions by next week.
Investigators have expanded their probe to include financial records from SIC Life’s auditors. EOCO has also subpoenaed bank officials linked to the case.
If new evidence emerges, prosecutors may seek further charges. Awuah’s legal team plans to file a motion to dismiss the case on procedural grounds.
No dates have been set for a parliamentary hearing on the issue.
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Note: The source included speculative commentary, unrelated celebrity biographies and international news excerpts. These elements were excluded from the rewrite as they lack Ghanaian context or direct relevance to the parliamentary privilege issue. All factual details about Kutor, Awuah, EOCO and Article 117 were retained as stated in the source. No new information was added. The narrative follows the chronology of events reported by the outlet, focusing strictly on the investigation and its legal implications.
