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Manhyia South MP and attorney Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has clarified the reasons behind his departure following an interaction with Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) representatives outside the Accra High Court.
He indicated that the situation developed immediately after he spoke with journalists regarding the court hearing.
According to his account, a woman approached him and indicated that his presence was required at EOCO. However, the MP expressed concern about the manner in which she attempted to transport him to the office without delay.
“She held my wrist firmly, and with all due respect, I have never encountered a woman with such strength before.”
He stated that he had to release himself from her grip before proposing to travel to EOCO in his personal vehicle. “I informed her that if EOCO requires my presence, I will comply. Let us proceed. I will drive my own car.”
According to Baffour Awuah, the woman declined his proposal and demanded that he travel in their vehicle. She also asserted that EOCO had contacted him on three separate occasions, a claim he contested.
“I responded, Me? You have written to me, correct?” He subsequently contacted Afua Kwa and suggested they travel together in his vehicle.
However, according to the MP, the EOCO official persisted in requiring that he enter their vehicle.
He then requested that she present identification confirming her affiliation with EOCO. “She was unable to provide it.”
This, he explained, intensified his apprehension regarding a potential kidnapping scenario.
“At that moment, I considered that this could be one of the kidnappings occurring in the country—these unlawful, state-orchestrated kidnappings—and therefore I refused to enter the vehicle.”
He stated that he chose instead to drive himself to EOCO once the office demonstrated a commitment to “conducting matters appropriately.”
“I am not fearful of anything.”
Baffour Awuah further disputed the assertion that he was evading a legitimate arrest when he drove away and subsequently proceeded to Parliament.
“This is an unlawful arrest. This is an unlawful arrest.” He described the incident as “an unlawful arrest” and “an attempt to abduct me by persons who don’t want to work with law.”
He stated that pursuing refuge within Parliament was consequently warranted. “It is not wrong if I’m seeking sanctuary.”
“In fact, you seek sanctuary against kidnappers, and so if I’m seeking sanctuary, it is not wrong.”