The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to rein in his appointees following an attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Accra High Court, where Baffour Awuah was present as legal counsel for social commentator Salomey Baffoe during proceedings concerning her bail application.
The development comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the arrest and prosecution of Baffoe, who is accused of abetting the publication of false information in connection with content associated with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
EOCO has since confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Baffour Awuah in connection with an ongoing investigation. The Office said the MP had previously been invited on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with the investigation but did not honour the invitations.
EOCO said the arrest was not completed after the situation escalated and officers assessed that further action could endanger public safety. The Office also said it had identified two persons who allegedly intervened to facilitate the MP’s escape and would assess their conduct before taking any appropriate lawful action.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised what he described as excesses by the government and called on President Mahama to ensure that state institutions operate within the law.
“Mr. President, reflect on your legacy. You are left with almost just 2 years from exiting office. The question is, what would you tell Ghanaians when you are in your quiet moment? Can you proudly say, the second opportunity you were given by God, you used that chance to transform your country?
“Watch these excesses, enough is enough. Call your appointees to order because this is not the Ghana we want.”
The Minority Leader stressed that his side was not opposed to accountability or lawful investigations by state institutions.
“We are not against accountability and we always say that. We are not against any state institution going about its lawful duty as enshrined in any enactment or the Constitution. What we are saying is that a state institution must be seen to be doing its work lawfully,” he said.
EOCO, in its statement on the incident, said it recognises and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament and would conduct its operations within the Constitution and applicable laws.
The Office also maintained that Baffour Awuah’s membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring the investigation to an end or place him beyond the reach of the law.