The High Court in Accra has granted bail to the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, following his detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Presiding over the case as an additional High Court Judge, Her Ladyship Justice Charity Akosua Asem, JA, admitted the lawmaker to bail in the sum of GHS 10 million with two sureties without justification.
According to updates from EOCO, the MP and Senior Partner at Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah & Partners is under active investigation for alleged financial crimes, including money laundering and tax offences. The anti-graft body noted that the court-sanctioned probe involves transactions and funds tied to SIC Life, prompting searches at both his residential property and law office.
The arrest and subsequent legal measures sparked heated debate after Parliament raised strong concerns regarding his detention and the potential disruption to his constitutional duties as a sitting lawmaker. Meanwhile, the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) previously condemned earlier attempts by EOCO operatives to execute an arrest within the precincts of the Accra High Court, calling for strict adherence to due process and the independence of the legal profession.
EOCO, through a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Education, reiterated that investigations remain ongoing. The investigative body urged the public to refrain from premature conclusions, pointing out that all persons under investigation remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The substantive matter is scheduled for further hearing as counsel for the lawmaker completes the requisite bail formalities.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana