Manhyia South MP allowed to retrieve passport as court varies bail terms

The High Court in Accra recently adjusted the bail conditions for Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. This variation allows him to retrieve his passport from the court registry. The Commercial Court 5 Division granted his application on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during his trial for financial misconduct and money laundering allegations.

His legal counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, argued that his client had no intention of leaving the country and cited parliamentary rules requiring MPs to attend sittings. According to parliamentary procedures, MPs risk losing their seat if they remain absent for 15 sittings without proper permission and explanation. While the Deputy Attorney-General did not oppose the application, Justice Charity Akosua Asem ultimately approved it, lifting the requirement for the MP's passport to remain in the court registry's custody.

Mr. Awuah is currently on trial for alleged conspiracy to commit a crime, including intentional misuse of public funds, causing financial loss to a public body, and money laundering. Despite the recent ruling, he remains subject to the other bail conditions. The trial is anticipated to continue.