High Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah Over Alleged Financial Crimes

The Accra High Court has issued a formal warrant for the arrest of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, following an application by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The warrant, granted on September 30, 2026, authorizes EOCO to arrest the legislator and search for documents related to an investigation into alleged unauthorized financial transactions at SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Limited. Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai confirmed the development, noting that the investigation involves serious charges, including the dissipation of public funds, financial loss to the state, and money laundering. The court specifically directed that the arrest be executed through the Speaker of Parliament, adhering to the legal protocols governing the detention of sitting lawmakers.

The judicial order follows a period of escalating tension between the MP and law enforcement. EOCO officials claimed they were forced to seek a court-backed warrant after Mr. Baffour Awuah repeatedly failed to honor invitations for questioning that began in February 2026. The situation reached a boiling point on September 23, 2026, when an attempted arrest of the MP outside the Accra High Court resulted in a public confrontation. While Mr. Baffour Awuah characterized the encounter as an attempted "state-sponsored kidnapping," Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu defended the EOCO officer involved, describing her approach as professional and legitimate. Ofosu clarified that the officer is a veteran law enforcement professional with 17 years of service, not a political operative as some had suggested.

Mr. Baffour Awuah has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the investigation is a politically motivated attempt to undermine his credibility. He contends that the inquiry stems from his former law firm's professional engagement with SIC Life Savings and Loans, specifically regarding the recovery of an investment that grew from GH₵3.5 million to GH₵14 million including interest. The MP maintains that his firm acted within the law and that he has already communicated relevant details to the Clerk of Parliament. Furthermore, he argued that the allegations are being weaponized against him due to his legal support for individuals involved in other sensitive cases, such as the "Ghana Jollof" hate speech trial.

The case has ignited a broader debate regarding parliamentary immunity and the procedures for investigating Members of Parliament. Majority Leader James Agalga criticized EOCO’s initial attempted arrest as "unprofessional," stressing that law enforcement must respect the constitutional protections afforded to MPs. Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu echoed these concerns, stating that while no one is above the law, Section 20 of Act 300 necessitates involving the Speaker to ensure that investigations do not interfere with parliamentary duties or lead to improper detention. As EOCO prepares to execute the warrant and seize relevant documents, the case remains a focal point of legal and political scrutiny in Ghana.