Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah is expected to appear before a weekend court as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) moves to comply with constitutional timelines governing his detention.
The MP is likely to appear before Specialised Court 2, which sits at Commercial Court 5 of the High Court Complex in Accra, although the specific court and time of the appearance had not been officially announced at the time of publication.
EOCO said it was working with the Office of the Attorney-General to bring Mr Baffour Awuah before a weekend court in line with applicable constitutional timeframes and procedural requirements relating to bail.
The development follows Mr Baffour Awuah’s voluntary surrender to EOCO on Thursday, October 1, after the agency obtained an arrest warrant from the Accra High Court.
He was subsequently placed under arrest and has been cooperating with investigators as the investigation continues.
According to EOCO, the investigation concerns allegations including criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering and tax-related offences, among other matters.
Mr Baffour Awuah, who is also a Senior Partner at Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah and Partners, has disputed aspects of EOCO’s account of the investigation.
His lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, has argued that the transactions under investigation arose from legal work undertaken by the law firm for SIC Life Savings and Loans and has rejected any suggestion that the work constituted criminal conduct.
EOCO has urged the public to avoid speculation or premature conclusions about the culpability of anyone involved, stressing that the investigation remains ongoing and that all persons involved are entitled to their constitutional rights and due process.
The agency has also dismissed reports that Mr Baffour Awuah had been granted GH¢50 million bail.
EOCO urged the public to disregard those reports, saying it was still working with the Attorney-General’s Office to bring the MP before a weekend court.
The anticipated court appearance is expected to determine the next stage of the legal process, including the issue of bail, as investigations into the allegations continue.
The allegations against Mr Baffour Awuah have not been established by a court.
