Parliament has expressed 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).
In a statement issued by the Parliamentary Service on October 3, 2026, Parliament said the Member voluntarily presented himself to EOCO after reports that the High Court had issued a warrant for his arrest.
The statement said the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, considers the circumstances surrounding the MP’s detention a matter of serious concern, particularly in relation to the rights of the Member, the privileges and independence of Parliament, and the proper exercise of investigative powers.
Parliament’s Position
Parliament stated that Members of Parliament are not above the law and that where a Member is reasonably suspected of having committed an offence, the law must take its course.
However, the statement noted that Members of Parliament do not act merely in their personal capacities and that certain constitutional safeguards govern interactions between Members and other organs of the State.
According to Parliament, these safeguards are intended not to shield lawmakers from accountability, but to protect the independence of Parliament and the mandate of the people they represent.
Questions Over Continued Detention
Parliament said the Speaker had been informed that the High Court directed EOCO to enforce the warrant against the MP. However, the Speaker had not yet seen the terms of that directive and therefore did not seek to interpret it.
The statement said that since the Member voluntarily presented himself to EOCO and submitted to its processes, any decision to continue holding him in custody should have a clear and demonstrable basis in law and necessity.
Concern Over Overnight Detention
Parliament expressed particular concern about the necessity and proportionality of the Member’s overnight detention.
It said the power to arrest or detain is a serious coercive power of the State and must be exercised lawfully, reasonably and with due regard to the constitutional rights and dignity of every person.
Parliament further stated 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.
It added that where a warrant or court order requires a person to be brought before the High Court, every reasonable effort should be made to do so at the earliest lawful opportunity.
Parliament to Examine Existing Procedures
Parliament noted that this is not the first time questions have arisen concerning the arrest, detention or prosecution of sitting Members of Parliament since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.
The House said previous experiences demonstrate the need for greater clarity concerning the procedures applicable when investigative or prosecutorial authorities seek to arrest, detain or prosecute a sitting Member of Parliament.
Parliament therefore said it will examine the existing constitutional and statutory framework and, where necessary, consider appropriate legislation to ensure that accountability, due process and the rule of law coexist with the independence and effective functioning of Parliament.
Call for Institutional Restraint
Parliament called on state institutions and public officials to exercise coercive powers with restraint, fairness and full respect for constitutional rights.
The Speaker also reiterated that a political opponent is not a political enemy, according to the statement.
Parliament cautioned against a situation where questionable conduct is defended simply because similar conduct occurred under a previous administration, stating that such a cycle must end.
Parliament’s Final Position
Parliament urged that all matters concerning Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah be handled strictly in accordance with the Constitution, the law and all applicable orders of the courts.
It further called for full respect for his rights and the avoidance of unnecessary interference with the constitutional work of Parliament.
Follow for more updates on Ghana’s Parliament, governance and national affairs.
