In a statement issued on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Parliament said the circumstances surrounding the MP’s detention raised questions about his rights, parliamentary privileges and the independence of the legislature.

The MP voluntarily presented himself to EOCO on Thursday, October 1, following reports that the High Court had issued a warrant authorising his arrest in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Parliament acknowledged that Members of Parliament are not above the law and that where a legislator is reasonably suspected of committing an offence, due process must take its course. However, it stressed that MPs perform their functions not merely in their personal capacities but also as representatives of the people.

According to the statement, constitutional safeguards governing interactions between MPs and other state institutions are intended to protect Parliament’s independence and its mandate, rather than shield legislators from accountability.

Speaker Alban Bagbin said he had been informed that the High Court had directed EOCO to enforce the arrest warrant, but indicated that he had not seen the terms of the directive and would therefore not attempt to interpret it.

Parliament questioned the necessity and proportionality of continuing to hold the MP after he had voluntarily reported to EOCO and, according to the House, cooperated with investigators.

It said that if the court order required the MP to be brought before the High Court, reasonable steps should have been taken to present him before the court at the earliest lawful opportunity.

EOCO has said the investigation concerns alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans, including suspected financial loss, dissipation of public funds, money laundering and related offences. The agency has maintained that its investigation is being conducted professionally and in accordance with due process.

A High Court warrant issued on September 30 authorised EOCO to arrest the MP and search for and seize documents relevant to the investigation. The court directed that the arrest be executed through the Speaker of Parliament.

Parliament has indicated that it will examine the constitutional and statutory framework governing the arrest, detention and prosecution of sitting MPs to determine whether additional measures are required to safeguard due process while protecting parliamentary independence.

The development has intensified debate over the balance between law-enforcement powers and parliamentary privileges as investigations into the Manhyia South MP continue.

Photo courtesy: Hon. Baffour Awuah