Parliament demands due process for Manhyia South MP detained by EOCO

Parliament has voiced strong concern over the continued detention of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The lawmaking body insists that due process must be strictly observed in handling his case. On Thursday, October 1, the MP presented himself to EOCO after reports indicated that a High Court warrant had been issued for his arrest. A press statement released on Saturday, October 3, highlighted that his continued custody, despite voluntary cooperation, raised serious questions about constitutional rights, parliamentary privileges and the proper exercise of investigative authority. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin stressed that while MPs are not above the law, the law also safeguards their independence and the mandate of the people they represent. Parliament noted that the Speaker had been informed of a High Court directive ordering EOCO to enforce the warrant but had not seen its full terms, and therefore did not interpret it. The legislature questioned the necessity of detaining an MP who had already cooperated fully, arguing that any decision to keep him in custody must be grounded in clear legal justification and proportionality. It reiterated that the power to arrest or detain is a serious state coercion that must be exercised lawfully, reasonably and with respect for human dignity. Parliament warned that continued detention after voluntary appearance could become punitive rather than protective of public interest. This is not the first time such issues have emerged involving sitting MPs since the Fourth Republic’s Second Parliament, prompting Parliament to call for clearer procedures when investigative agencies seek to arrest or detain a sitting member. It announced plans to review the constitutional and statutory framework, and where needed, propose legislation to balance accountability with parliamentary independence. State institutions were urged to exercise coercive powers with restraint, fairness and full respect for constitutional rights. The Speaker reminded the public that political opponents are not political enemies and that past excesses should not justify current ones. All matters concerning the MP must be handled strictly in line with the Constitution, the law and court orders, without interfering with Parliament’s constitutional work.