The attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the Accra High Court has triggered renewed debate over parliamentary privilege, due process and the powers of state investigative agencies.

EOCO said the attempted arrest on September 23, 2026, formed part of lawful steps to secure the MP’s attendance in an ongoing investigation. According to the agency, Baffour Awuah had been invited twice in February but did not honour the invitations.

The agency said the operation was not completed after the situation escalated and officers assessed that further action could endanger public safety. EOCO also said it recognised the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament and would operate within the Constitution and applicable laws.

Baffour Awuah, who is also a lawyer, gave a different account. He said the woman who identified herself as an EOCO official did not provide identification, proof of authority or an arrest warrant when requested. He said he offered to drive himself to EOCO to verify the invitation.

The Ghana Bar Association has subsequently called on EOCO and other state institutions to exercise their powers responsibly, fairly and in accordance with due process. The association said alleged abuses of power and violations of human rights must be avoided.

The incident has placed parliamentary privilege and the procedures for compelling a sitting legislator to cooperate with investigations at the centre of a wider legal discussion. The precise legal issues remain subject to the applicable constitutional and statutory provisions.

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