There was a dramatic confrontation at the Accra High Court on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) attempted to arrest the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
The incident occurred shortly after proceedings in the bail application of Salomey Baffoe Awiti, whom Baffour Awuah is representing as counsel. The bail hearing was subsequently adjourned to Thursday, September 24, after the prosecution requested more time to respond.
Videos from the court premises showed a confrontation involving the MP and a woman identified as an EOCO official, followed by Baffour Awuah leaving the premises in his vehicle as people gathered around him.
EOCO later confirmed that its officers had attempted to arrest the Manhyia South MP in connection with an ongoing investigation. The agency said Baffour Awuah had been invited on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with the investigation but did not honour the invitations.
According to EOCO, the attempted arrest was part of steps taken to secure his attendance in accordance with the law. The agency said the arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and officers assessed that continuing could have endangered public safety.
EOCO also said it recognises the constitutional privileges and immunities afforded Members of Parliament and would conduct its operations within the Constitution and applicable laws. The agency maintained that parliamentary membership does not automatically terminate an investigation or place an individual beyond the reach of the law.
Baffour Awuah, however, gave a different account of the incident. Speaking to journalists at Parliament, he said the woman who approached him did not provide identification or evidence of her authority when he requested it. He also said she could not produce an arrest warrant when he asked to see one.
The MP said he became concerned for his safety and decided to drive away from the court premises and proceed to Parliament. He described the incident as an attempted forced arrest and said his actions were intended to protect himself, his constituents, his family and his client.
The incident is connected to a wider investigation surrounding the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account and the case involving Salomey Baffoe Awiti. Baffoe is facing a charge of abetment of crime linked to the alleged publication of false information associated with the account. The allegations against her remain subject to the ongoing court proceedings.
EOCO has said it will review the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s incident, including available video evidence, before deciding on its next steps.
