Manhyia South MP Nana Baffour Awuah Detained by EOCO Amid Financial Misconduct Investigation

Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, was detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on October 1, 2026, after voluntarily surrendering to authorities. The MP is currently under investigation for several serious allegations, including criminal conspiracy, money laundering, tax-related offences, and financial misconduct involving SIC Life Savings and Loans. His surrender follows a High Court warrant issued after EOCO claimed previous attempts to secure his attendance through formal invitations were unsuccessful. Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai clarified that an initial interaction in late September escalated when the MP allegedly resisted invitations, leading the agency to seek judicial intervention to facilitate his arrest and the search for related documents.

The investigation reportedly centers on unauthorized financial transactions, including a GH₵2.2 million payment related to legal services. The detention has sparked significant legal and procedural debate, particularly regarding the scope of a search warrant executed by EOCO. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has challenged the legitimacy of the agency's actions, asserting that the court order permitted only a search of Awuah's law firm in Dzorwulu, rather than his private residence. Critics and the MP's legal team, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, have labeled the seizure of CCTV footage and documents from his home as an overreach. Furthermore, EOCO has been forced to refute widely circulated "fake news" reports suggesting that the MP had already been granted a GH₵50 million bail, clarifying that he remained in custody while questioning continued.

Political reactions to the MP's detention have been swift and polarized. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Secretariat and the Minority caucus in Parliament have condemned the arrest as an "affront to the rule of law" and a potential political witch-hunt intended to intimidate opposition figures. Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh expressed disappointment after being denied access to the MP at the EOCO premises, suggesting such treatment was unexpected under the administration of President John Mahama. Conversely, EOCO has maintained its commitment to a professional and independent investigation, urging the public to refrain from speculation and allow the legal process to unfold without interference.

As of the latest updates, EOCO is coordinating with the Attorney-General's Office to present Baffour Awuah before a weekend court session to address the issue of bail. While his legal team continues to push for his immediate release based on his cooperation with investigators, the case remains a focal point of national attention. The outcome of this investigation is expected to have broader implications for the accountability of public officials and the operational boundaries of state investigative agencies in Ghana.