Parliament breaks silence over shocking arrest and detention of Manhyia MP

Ghana’s Parliamentary Service has expressed grave concern over the continued detention of Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South. The lawmaker was held in custody by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after he voluntarily presented himself to authorities following reports that a High Court had issued an arrest warrant.

In an official statement signed by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the legislature highlighted that the circumstances surrounding the MP’s ongoing detention raise major questions regarding parliamentary privileges, individual rights, and the proper boundaries of investigative powers. While affirming that Members of Parliament are not above the law and must face justice when reasonably suspected of wrongdoing, Parliament emphasized that constitutional safeguards exist to protect the independence of the institution and the constituents MPs represent.

The Speaker noted that while the High Court reportedly directed EOCO to enforce the arrest warrant, any ongoing decision to keep the lawmaker in custody must have a clear legal basis and demonstrate absolute necessity, especially given his voluntary cooperation with state authorities. Parliament expressed specific worry over the necessity and proportionality of detaining the MP overnight when he had already submitted himself to the process.

The situation has sparked widespread discussion across the political landscape, with Parliament calling for transparency, due process, and strict adherence to constitutional principles as state investigative agencies proceed with their inquiries.