South Dayi MP and Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has challenged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over its attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court, insisting that law enforcement agencies must follow the constitutional procedures governing Members of Parliament.
Mr Dafeamekpor, in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 23, said Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution provides specific protections for MPs in relation to the service of civil or criminal processes while they are travelling to, attending or returning from parliamentary proceedings.
He argued that where an MP is required for arrest or to be served with legal processes, the appropriate constitutional procedure must be followed, including engaging the Speaker of Parliament where applicable.
The Majority Chief Whip described the reported attempt to arrest Mr Baffour Awuah at the court premises as “absolutely unacceptable” and cautioned law enforcement agencies against actions that could undermine the authority and dignity of Parliament.
“Where a law provides a procedure for a right to be exercised, it’s only that procedure that must be followed,” Mr Dafeamekpor stated, citing the case of Boyefio v NTHC.
He said Parliament and state institutions, including EOCO, must preserve the cordial relationship among the various arms and institutions of the state while ensuring strict adherence to the law.
Mr Dafeamekpor further warned that parliamentary leadership would resist attempts to breach what he described as established protocols governing the treatment of Members of Parliament.
His comments followed a confrontation at the Accra High Court involving Mr Baffour Awuah and a woman who identified herself as an EOCO official.
The Manhyia South MP, who is representing social commentator Salomey Baffoe in court, said the woman asked him to accompany her to EOCO’s office but failed to produce identification or an arrest warrant when requested. He subsequently left the court premises.
EOCO has, however, maintained that the attempted arrest formed part of lawful steps taken in an ongoing investigation. The Office said Mr Baffour Awuah had previously been invited on two occasions in February 2026 to assist with the investigation but did not honour the invitations.
Mr Dafeamekpor also questioned the timing of the incident, pointing out that Parliament was hosting an ECOWAS Parliament conference in Accra.
According to him, any action that disregards established constitutional procedures could have implications for Ghana’s image, particularly at a time when the country was hosting an international parliamentary gathering.
“If the Hon. Baffour-Awuah is alleged to have committed any offence, for which EOCO requires his presence, by all means, let the law speak but let the law follow lawful procedure in Article 117 in doing so,” he stated.
HON. BAFFOUR & THE ATTEMPTED ARREST BY EOCO WITHIN THE PRECINCTS OF COURT
——————————————1. Article 117 provides a terse procedure as to how The Speaker, MPs and the Clerk to Parliament shall be served with any Civil or Criminal processes.
2. This Constitutional protection…
— Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Esq. MP. (@etsedafeamekpor) September 23, 2026
