Manhyia Palace Issues Immediate Ban on Unauthorized Drone and UAV Operations

EOCO Arrests Three for Unauthorized Drone Surveillance During Interrogation of MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested three individuals, including one woman and two men, for flying unauthorized drones over its headquarters in Accra. The security breach occurred on October 1, specifically during the interrogation of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and a Senior Partner at Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah and Partners. Mr. Awuah had voluntarily surrendered to authorities following an Accra High Court warrant related to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct, including money laundering and causing financial loss to SIC Life Savings & Loans Company Limited. Security consultant Dr. Ishmael Norman has condemned the drone incursions as a significant security violation, warning that such actions over designated security zones are strictly forbidden. Dr. Norman emphasized that the drones, which were reportedly equipped with recording devices, could have been used for unauthorized surveillance of sensitive official communications. He described the breach as bordering on treasonous and cautioned that the offenders could face severe legal repercussions, including prison sentences of up to 30 years under Ghana’s security protocols. He urged national security agencies to treat the incident with the utmost seriousness to deter future violations of sensitive installations. The interrogation of Mr. Awuah centers on allegations of criminal conspiracy, mismanagement of public funds, and tax-related offences. EOCO has clarified that the lawmaker is cooperating with the probe and that the investigation aims to provide a professional and transparent account of the suspected financial irregularities at SIC Life Savings & Loans. Despite the dramatic nature of the drone arrests on the premises, the primary investigation into the financial allegations remains the central focus for the agency's specialized units. In a statement following the day's events, EOCO urged the general public to refrain from speculation regarding Mr. Awuah’s culpability. The agency emphasized that the legal process must be allowed to run its course and that premature conclusions could undermine the integrity of the ongoing investigation. While the three individuals involved in the drone incident remain in custody, the broader inquiry into financial mismanagement continues, with authorities promising to update the public as significant developments arise.