The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, following what the anti-graft agency says were several months of unsuccessful attempts to secure his attendance for questioning.
The MP, who is also Senior Partner at Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah and Partners, voluntarily surrendered himself at the EOCO premises today to assist with ongoing investigations.
EOCO said his appearance followed several months of efforts by the Office to secure his attendance in connection with investigations into allegations involving criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering and tax-related offences, among other matters.
Although Mr Baffour Awuah voluntarily surrendered himself, EOCO said it subsequently placed him under arrest as part of the applicable investigative and operational procedures.
He was said to be cooperating with investigators as the investigation continued.
In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Education for the Executive Director, EOCO said the arrest followed attempts by the Office to get the MP to appear before investigators.
The development is the latest chapter in a dispute between the legislator and EOCO over the agency’s attempts to question him.
EOCO said it had been seeking his attendance for several months but did not provide details in the statement about the number of invitations issued or the specific circumstances surrounding his previous non-attendance.
The agency said it would conduct the investigation professionally, independently and in accordance with due process.
“EOCO will continue to pursue all relevant lines of inquiry, examine the available evidence and afford all persons involved their rights under the Constitution and applicable laws,” the statement said.
The Office also cautioned against speculation about the case, stressing that the investigation was ongoing and that no premature conclusions should be drawn about the culpability of any individual.
“The public is therefore urged to allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without speculation or premature conclusions regarding the culpability of any individual,” it said.
The allegations under investigation include possible financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering, tax-related offences and criminal conspiracy.
EOCO did not, in the statement, set out the specific transactions or conduct underpinning each allegation, and the statement did not indicate whether any charges had been filed against the MP.
His arrest therefore marks an investigative step and does not, by itself, establish criminal liability.
The agency said it would provide further information when appropriate and legally permissible.
The latest development follows a public confrontation between Mr Baffour Awuah and EOCO officials at the High Court Complex in Accra, where the MP had previously resisted efforts by investigators to take him into custody.
The MP has disputed aspects of EOCO’s handling of the matter, while the anti-graft agency has maintained that it is pursuing an investigation within its statutory mandate.
The latest statement from EOCO, however, indicates that Mr Baffour Awuah is now in the custody of the agency and is cooperating with investigators.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the allegations are supported by evidence and whether any further action, including prosecution, is warranted.
