Parliament has expressed grave concern over the continued detention of the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), describing the development as a matter that raises constitutional and institutional questions.
In a statement issued on October 3, 2026, Parliament said the MP voluntarily presented himself to EOCO following reports that the High Court had issued a warrant for his arrest.
The statement noted that Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, views the circumstances surrounding the detention as a matter of serious concern, particularly regarding the rights of the Member, the privileges and independence of Parliament, and the proper exercise of investigative powers.
Parliament emphasized that Members of Parliament are not above the law and must be subject to due process where there is reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.
However, it stressed that the law also provides safeguards governing interactions between Members of Parliament and state institutions to protect the independence of Parliament and the mandate entrusted to elected representatives by the people.
According to the statement, the Speaker has been informed that the High Court directed EOCO to enforce the warrant against the MP. While he has not reviewed the specific terms of the directive, Parliament argued that once the legislator voluntarily reported to EOCO and submitted himself to its processes, any decision to continue detaining him should be supported by a clear legal and practical justification.
Parliament also questioned the necessity and proportionality of holding the legislator overnight after he had cooperated with investigators.
“The power to arrest or detain is a serious coercive power of the State,” the statement said, adding that such authority must be exercised lawfully, reasonably and with full respect for constitutional rights and human dignity.
It further argued that where the purpose of securing a person’s attendance has already been achieved through voluntary appearance, detention should not become routine or punitive. Parliament maintained that if a court order required the MP’s appearance before the High Court, reasonable efforts should have been made to present him before the court at the earliest lawful opportunity.
The legislature noted that the incident highlights the need for greater clarity regarding procedures applicable when investigative or prosecutorial agencies seek to arrest, detain or prosecute sitting Members of Parliament.
Parliament said it will examine the existing constitutional and statutory framework and, where necessary, consider legislative measures to ensure that accountability, due process and the rule of law coexist with the independence and effective functioning of Parliament.
The statement also called on all state institutions and public officials to exercise coercive powers with restraint, fairness and respect for constitutional rights.
“The Speaker reiterates that a political opponent is not a political enemy,” the statement said, warning against a cycle in which questionable conduct is justified on the basis of similar actions by previous administrations.
Parliament urged that all matters concerning Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah be handled strictly in accordance with the Constitution, the laws of Ghana and applicable court orders, while ensuring respect for his rights and avoiding unnecessary interference with the constitutional work of Parliament.