Parliament has called on state institutions handling the case involving the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, to exercise restraint and ensure that his constitutional rights and parliamentary privileges are respected.
In a statement issued by the Parliamentary authorities, Parliament said the power to arrest or detain is a serious coercive power of the State and must be exercised lawfully, reasonably and with due regard to the constitutional rights and dignity of every person.
The statement follows developments surrounding the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) efforts to secure the attendance of Nana Baffour Awuah in connection with an ongoing investigation.
EOCO had earlier said it attempted to arrest the MP at the Accra High Court on September 23, 2026, after he allegedly failed to honour two invitations issued in February to assist with its investigation.
Nana Baffour Awuah subsequently reported himself to EOCO on October 1 to assist with the investigations and was placed under arrest while cooperating with investigators, according to EOCO.
The latest Parliamentary statement noted that, where the purpose of securing a person’s attendance has already been achieved through voluntary appearance, continued detention should not become routine or punitive.
It added that if a warrant or court order requires the MP to be brought before the High Court, every reasonable effort should be made to place him before the court at the earliest lawful opportunity.
Parliament to examine applicable procedures
Parliament said the circumstances have also highlighted the need for greater clarity on procedures applicable when investigative or prosecutorial authorities seek to arrest, detain or prosecute a sitting Member of Parliament.
“This is not the first time questions have arisen concerning the arrest, detention or prosecution of sitting Members of Parliament,” the statement said, noting that Parliament has had previous experiences involving MPs since the advent of the Fourth Republic.
Parliament said those experiences demonstrated the need to clarify the procedures that should apply when state investigative or prosecutorial agencies seek to take action against a sitting legislator.
It therefore intends to examine the existing constitutional and statutory framework and, where necessary, consider legislation to ensure that accountability, due process and the rule of law coexist with Parliament’s independence and effective functioning.
Call for institutional restraint
Parliament also called on state institutions and public officials to exercise coercive powers with restraint, fairness and full respect for constitutional rights.
The statement stressed that political opponents should not be treated as political enemies and argued that past excesses should not be used to justify similar conduct under a subsequent administration.
“Ghana cannot build a stronger democracy by perpetuating a cycle in which questionable conduct is defended merely because similar conduct occurred under a previous administration,” the statement said.
Parliament consequently urged that all matters concerning Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah be handled strictly in accordance with the Constitution, the law and applicable court orders.
It further called for full respect for the MP’s rights and cautioned against unnecessary interference with the constitutional work of Parliament.
EOCO has said its investigations concern allegations including criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering and tax-related offences. The agency has maintained that the investigation is being conducted in accordance with due process.
The statement was issued by David Sebastian Damoah, Director of Media Relations, Parliament.
