Parliament has expressed concern over the continued detention of Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The concern was contained in a statement issued by Parliament on Saturday, October 3, 2026, following the MP’s voluntary appearance before EOCO after reports that the High Court had issued a warrant for his arrest.
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin considers the circumstances surrounding the MP’s detention a matter of serious concern, particularly regarding his rights, parliamentary privileges and the independence of Parliament.
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Parliament, however, stressed that MPs are not above the law and that where a legislator is reasonably suspected of committing an offence, the law must take its course.
“Parliament affirms unequivocally that Members of Parliament are not above the law,” the statement said.
It added that MPs do not act solely in their personal capacities and that the law provides safeguards governing interactions between Members and other organs of the state.
According to Parliament, these safeguards are not intended to shield MPs from accountability but to protect the independence of Parliament and the mandate of the people they represent.
Parliament said the Speaker had been informed that the High Court directed EOCO to enforce the warrant against Baffour Awuah; however, he has not seen the terms of that directive and therefore does not intend to interpret it.
The institution said that after the Manhyia South MP voluntarily presented himself to EOCO and submitted to its processes, any decision to continue holding him should have a clear legal and necessary basis.
Parliament expressed particular concern about the necessity and proportionality of detaining a legislator who voluntarily reported to EOCO and, according to Parliament, cooperated with the process.
“The power to arrest or detain is a serious coercive power of the State. It must always be exercised lawfully, reasonably and with due regard to the constitutional rights and dignity of every person,” Parliament stated.
It added that where the purpose of securing a person’s attendance has already been achieved through voluntary appearance, continued detention should not become routine or punitive.
Parliament said the case is not the first time questions had arisen concerning the arrest, detention or prosecution of a sitting MP.
It recalled previous cases involving Members of Parliament since the Second Parliament of the Fourth Republic and said those experiences demonstrated the need for greater clarity on procedures applicable when investigative or prosecutorial authorities seek to arrest, detain or prosecute sitting MPs.
Parliament said it would examine the existing constitutional and statutory framework and, where necessary, consider appropriate legislation to ensure accountability, due process and the rule of law coexist with Parliament’s independence.
Parliament also called on state institutions to exercise coercive powers with restraint, fairness and respect for constitutional rights.
Speaker Bagbin reiterated that “a political opponent is not a political enemy” and said past excesses could not justify present excesses.
“Ghana cannot build a stronger democracy by perpetuating a cycle in which questionable conduct is defended merely because similar conduct occurred under a previous administration. This cycle must end,” the statement said.
Parliament urged that all matters concerning Baffour Awuah be handled strictly in accordance with the Constitution, the law and applicable court orders, while respecting his rights and avoiding unnecessary interference with the constitutional work of Parliament.