Baffour Awuah Remains in EOCO Custody as Political Tensions Rise
Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah is currently detained by EOCO over an investigation into SIC Life Savings and Loans transactions, prompting strong reactions from political figures. NPP aspirant John Boadu made controversial comments, while the MP's lawyer and Minority Leader call for his release, raising concerns about his treatment and the agency's investigative powers.
Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah remains in the custody of Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after voluntarily reporting to the agency on October 1, 2026, following an Accra High Court warrant for his arrest. EOCO said the MP reported at about 10 a.m. and was subsequently placed under arrest as investigators continued their inquiry into alleged criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering and tax-related offences.
The agency said Baffour Awuah is cooperating with investigators and urged the public to allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without speculation or premature conclusions about his culpability.
The detention has triggered strong reactions from opposition figures and the MP’s legal team. His lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, questioned the need to keep his client in custody after he voluntarily appeared and described the detention as a “power play,” while Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin called for his release but stressed that the Minority caucus would not interfere with the investigation. NPP National Chairman aspirant John Boadu also drew controversy after telling reporters at the EOCO office that he did not think Baffour Awuah would die in custody, before adding, “Even if he dies there, that’s okay for us because…”, leaving the statement unfinished.
The case follows a September 30 High Court order authorising EOCO to arrest Baffour Awuah and search for and seize documents relevant to its investigation, after the agency told the court it had exhausted reasonable efforts to secure his attendance and was concerned that evidence could be concealed, altered or destroyed.
Baffour Awuah has disputed aspects of EOCO’s account, saying earlier invitations concerned his former law firm, Sarkodie Baffour Awuah & Partners, which represented SIC Life Savings and Loans, while Atta Akyea has questioned the basis of the criminal investigation into a transaction he says arose from a legal dispute that was later settled. As of October 2, reports indicated that the MP remained in EOCO custody, with the investigation and related searches continuing.