News
EOCO breaks silence on attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP: “He declined two invitations”
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has responded to the viral video showing its officers attempting to arrest the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the Accra High Court.
In a statement signed by Head of Corporation Affairs, EOCO said the attempted arrest today, September 23, 2026, was in connection with an ongoing investigation.
According to the anti-graft agency, the MP had previously been invited on two separate occasions in February 2026 to assist with investigations but failed to honour the invitations.
“The Office had previously invited Hon. Baffour Awuah to assist with the investigation on two occasions in February 2026. The invitations were not honoured. The Office has since taken steps to secure his attendance in accordance with the law and the attempted arrest today represents one of the lawful steps,” the statement said.
EOCO clarified that its officers were acting in the lawful discharge of their statutory responsibilities when the incident occurred.
The Office revealed that the arrest could not be completed because officers assessed that any further action would have endangered public safety as the situation escalated at the court forecourt.
“During today’s attempted arrest, the situation escalated and the arrest was not successfully completed as officers assessed that a counter action would have endangered public safety,” EOCO stated.
The Office added that it has identified two persons who, based on video evidence circulating on social media, allegedly intervened to facilitate the escape of the MP.
“The conduct of these individuals is being assessed and the Office will take such lawful steps as may be appropriate,” the statement added.
EOCO also disclosed that after the failed arrest, Baffour Awuah proceeded to the precincts of Parliament to seek sanctuary, even though Parliament is currently on recess.
The Office emphasized that while it recognizes and respects the constitutional privileges and immunities of Members of Parliament, being an MP does not place anyone above the law.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Membership of Parliament does not, by itself, bring an investigation to an end or place an individual beyond the reach of the law. At the same time, EOCO will not take any step that is inconsistent with parliamentary privilege or any other protection provided by the Constitution,” the statement clarified.
EOCO assured the public that the investigation remains active and that it will review all circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s incident, including available video evidence, to determine its next steps.
The Office concluded by reaffirming its commitment to discharge its statutory mandate while respecting the Constitution, the rule of law, and the institutional privileges of Parliament.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
GES directs Ashanti Regional, Obuasi Municipal Education Directors to step aside over Obuasi SHTS scandal
The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr. William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect.
The directive forms part of ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mr. Zakaria Abdulai.
According to GES, the decision is intended to ensure that the investigations proceed without potential interference, nor the perception of it.
The two directors are to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr. Thomas Kwame Boateng.
Management added that the headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, also remains interdicted and therefore urged the public to ignore any news circulating that he has been cleared.
Management is calling for calm, support and cooperation as thorough investigations into the matter continue.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has joined the family of the late Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday, the Ghanaian community in the UK, and other dignitaries for a memorial service in Southwark, UK.
In a post, Mr. Ablakwa described the service as deeply moving and unforgettable, held in honour of the late professor’s memory.
According to him, in keeping with the government’s pledge, he joined the family, Ghana’s High Commissioner to London, British MPs, Ministers, the Mayor of London, Cambridge scholars, Prof. Arday’s students and loved ones to pay respects and honour his inspiring legacy.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that Prof. Arday’s accomplishments as the youngest Black professor appointed at the University of Cambridge and his widely appreciated charitable contributions will continue to inspire generations.
“The Government and People of Ghana will continue to stand by our compatriots everywhere they are in the world. As we do so, we profess our commitment to justice, equality and the creation of a new world,” he said.
He prayed for fortitude for the family in what he described as an extraordinarily difficult time.
“We shall always remember Prof. Arday for his response when asked what he will wish to do to change the world: ‘I would take a thread and a needle, and I’d interweave love into our society’,” Mr. Ablakwa added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
