The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned an attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP and lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court, describing the incident as an attack on parliamentary privileges and the rule of law.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, shortly after Baffour Awuah had appeared before the High Court as counsel for detained nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh in a bail application.
According to the Minority, an officer who identified herself as an official of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) approached the MP after the court proceedings and attempted to take him into custody.
Reports from the court indicate that the situation became tense as Baffour Awuah entered his vehicle and drove away while the EOCO official attempted to stop him. The incident was captured in videos circulated online.
The Minority said the incident was particularly concerning because Baffour Awuah had just represented Bafoh, whose bail application was adjourned to September 24 after the State requested more time to respond.
The caucus alleged that the attempted arrest formed part of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition lawmakers and citizens.
However, EOCO has rejected that characterisation, saying the attempted arrest was connected to an ongoing investigation and followed two invitations issued to Baffour Awuah in February 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, EOCO said the MP had failed to honour the invitations and that the attempted arrest was one of the lawful steps taken to secure his attendance.
Baffour Awuah, however, has disputed EOCO’s account, saying the February correspondence concerned his former role as Senior Partner of Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners and related to the firm’s representation of SIC Life Savings and Loans Company Limited.
Minority links incident to cocaine trafficking concerns
The Minority also linked the confrontation to its campaign for Parliament to be recalled to investigate recent international cocaine seizures involving consignments traced to Ghana.
The caucus cited the seizure of approximately 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at France’s Port of Dunkirk on September 10. French authorities reportedly found the cocaine concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had arrived from Ghana.
The Minority said the seizure, together with other narcotics cases, raises questions about Ghana’s port security, cargo-scanning systems and the country’s alleged emergence as a transit point for international drug trafficking.
The caucus said Baffour Awuah is among the Minority MPs supporting the request for Parliament to be recalled to examine the issue.
According to the Minority, the timing of the attempted arrest raises questions because it occurred as the caucus was pressing for parliamentary scrutiny of the cocaine seizures.
The caucus, however, said it was not claiming to know EOCO’s motives but argued that the agency should explain the timing and legal basis of its action.
Minority raises concerns over Salomey Bafoh’s detention
The Minority also criticised the detention of Salomey Awiti Bafoh, a senior nursing officer facing an abetment-of-crime charge linked to the alleged publication and circulation of false news concerning the “Ghana Jollof” social media account.
Bafoh was remanded by the Adentan Circuit Court for two weeks after pleading not guilty. Police allege that she assisted the UK-based operator of the Ghana Jollof TikTok account to distribute videos and recruit others to circulate the content.
Her defence team has maintained that there is no justification for keeping her in custody, arguing that the investigation has effectively been completed.
The High Court was expected to hear her bail application on September 23, but the hearing was adjourned to September 24 after the State requested additional time to respond to the application.
The Minority has questioned the circumstances surrounding Bafoh’s arrest and detention, particularly the period before she appeared before a court.
The caucus further argued that the use of security agencies in a case involving alleged false-news publication raises broader concerns about freedom of expression and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
Minority demands investigation
The Minority is demanding a full account from the government on the legal basis for Bafoh’s arrest and detention, as well as an explanation from EOCO regarding its attempted arrest of Baffour Awuah.
It is also calling on EOCO to disclose the offence under investigation, the legal authority on which it sought to arrest the MP and the identity of the officer involved.
The caucus further wants an independent investigation into the alleged violations of Bafoh’s rights and assurances that future processes involving MPs will comply with parliamentary procedures.
The Minority said it intends to lodge a formal complaint with Parliament’s Committee on Privileges and Immunities over the incident.
The caucus also maintained that parliamentary privileges do not place MPs above the law but argued that any legal process involving a legislator must be conducted in accordance with the Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders.
The incident has added to growing political tensions surrounding the government’s handling of the recent international narcotics seizures and the detention of Bafoh.
For its part, EOCO maintains that its action against Baffour Awuah was connected to an existing investigation and that it was acting within the law.
The competing accounts are likely to remain the subject of further parliamentary and public scrutiny as the Minority pursues its demand for accountability.
