Derrick Agyekum Questions GH¢50m Bail Granted to Manhyia South MP

Derrick Nana Kwadwo Agyekum has questioned the GH¢50 million bail granted to Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

In a Facebook post, Agyekum questioned the decision to grant the legislator bail with three sureties, comparing it with the constitutional provision that can result in an MP losing their seat after prolonged absence from parliamentary sittings.

“An MP who forfeits his seat if he is absent from sitting for 15 days and you give 50M bail with three sureties?” he wrote.

Agyekum also questioned the purpose of bail and asked whether the decision was consistent with the principle of recognisance bail.

The comments follow the announcement by EOCO that Baffour Awuah voluntarily surrendered to the office on October 1, 2026, to assist with investigations into allegations including criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering and tax-related offences. EOCO subsequently granted him GH¢50 million bail with three sureties.

Ghana's 1992 Constitution provides that an MP may vacate their seat if they are absent, without the Speaker's written permission and without a reasonable explanation, from 15 sittings of Parliament during a period when Parliament has been summoned to meet.

However, the constitutional provision concerns parliamentary attendance and is separate from the conditions imposed when a court or investigative authority grants bail.

The allegations against Baffour Awuah have not been established as criminal guilt, and EOCO has said the investigation will be conducted in accordance with due process and that all persons involved will be afforded their rights under the law.