Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has expressed concern over the overnight detention of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
He described the detention as an excessive use of state power and questioned the decision to keep the legislator in custody after he voluntarily reported to EOCO in connection with an ongoing investigation into transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans.
The Minority Chief Whip made the comments on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after visiting the EOCO premises to check on his colleague.
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Baffour Awuah had voluntarily reported to the investigative agency following an Accra High Court warrant authorising his arrest and the search of his office.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Mr Annoh-Dompreh said he was alarmed by the development, arguing that the MP had cooperated with investigators.
According to him, the situation was particularly concerning because Baffour Awuah, who is also a lawyer, had voluntarily submitted himself to EOCO.
He further argued that the detention represented an unusual development in Ghana’s democratic history.
“A lawyer who is working in his line of duty, and also a Member of Parliament, has submitted himself to EOCO. And this is the first time in the history of this country that a Member of Parliament will be detained overnight over a matter that has not been proven,” he stated.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh accused the government of repeatedly targeting members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including lawyers and Members of Parliament, through state investigations and arrests.
“For the past six months, it’s been continuous and repeated hunting and coming after our party rank and file, and to some extent, lawyers in our party, members of Parliament. This is just too much,” he said.
He warned that the development could have implications for Ghana’s democratic institutions and political climate.
“If this is the reason that President Mahama promised this country, then this is very alarming. It’s surprising. You’re taking this country backwards in terms of the building of our democracy as a country,” Mr Annoh-Dompreh said.
The Minority Chief Whip also rejected reports suggesting that investigators had uncovered incriminating evidence at Baffour Awuah’s office during the search.
“And let me correct this. If anybody’s putting out the narrative that something incriminating was found at his office, it’s never the case. It’s not true. And you have to discard that with the contempt it deserves,” he said.
Despite his concerns, Mr Annoh-Dompreh said the Minority would continue to respect due process while monitoring the case.
“We are taking it in good stride. But you should remember there is always tomorrow. Power changes hands,” he added.
Baffour Awuah voluntarily reported to EOCO on Thursday, October 1, after the High Court issued a warrant authorising his arrest and the search of his office as part of the investigation into transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans.
He was arrested and detained but was granted bail for GH¢50 million cedis and three sureties on Friday, October 2.