Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, was released from the custody of Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after a High Court granted him a bail of GH¢10 million, as he was arraigned for allegedly causing financial loss to the state.
Mr. Awuah had spent two nights in the custody of EOCO after he reported himself at the anti-graft agency which had secured a warrant to arrest him as well as search his premises and office.
The MP, who is also a private legal practitioner, is facing charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, dissipation of public funds and intentionally causing financial loss to the state.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges which relate to a GH¢3.9 million loan facility SIC Life Savings and Loans granted to Equity Savings and Loans, which the lawyer was later contracted to retrieve as well as the accrued interest.
Condemnation
Mr. Awuah was detained by EOCO on October 1 when he reported to the agency accompanied by his lawyers and fellow MPs.
His detention drew wild condemnations and accusations of abuse of power against the leadership of EOCO as many suggested there was no need to keep him in custody since he reported himself.
Parliament, in a statement, condemned the continued detention of the legislator who had surrendered himself, calling for his immediate release.
The statement said the Speaker of Parliament “considers the circumstances surrounding the Member’s detention a matter of serious concern to Parliament, raising questions about the rights of the Member, the privileges and independence of Parliament, and the proper exercise of investigative powers.”
Parliament affirmed that MPs are not above the law but pointed out that where a member is reasonably suspected of having committed an offence, the law must take its course.
“Members of Parliament do not act merely in their personal capacities. The law, therefore, recognises certain safeguards governing interactions between Members and other organs of State. These safeguards are intended not to shield Members from accountability, but to protect the independence of Parliament and the mandate of the people they represent,” the statement said.
Bail Application
Samuel Atta Akyea, counsel for Mr. Awuah, in his application for bail prayed the court to grant the accused a self-recognisance bail, given the fact that he is a Member of Parliament and a lawyer.
He also assured the court that the accused is not a flight risk, pointing to the MP’s voluntary surrender to EOCO and his subsequent cooperation with the anti-graft agency.
Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, did not oppose the application for bail but urged the court to impose strict conditions that will compel the accused to make himself available to the court and investigators.
The court, after hearing arguments, granted Mr. Awuah a bail of GH¢10 million with two sureties, all whom are his colleague MPs.
The court further ordered the MP to make himself available for investigations. He will reappear in court on November 26, 2026.
‘Above Board’
Speaking to the press after the proceedings, Mr. Awuah said he is above board and no dirt can stick on him.
“I have, through it all, been in very good spirits and I’m extremely grateful to the people of Ghana who have seen through the propaganda of the NDC. The support they’ve given me is massive, and I will assure them that I am indeed above board. No dirt can stick on me,” he said.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak