{
  "id": 12196575,
  "title": "I told EOCO to arrest Manhyia South MP – Mustapha Gbande",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/i-told-eoco-to-arrest-manhyia-south-mp-mustapha-gbande",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T16:54:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/i-told-eoco-to-arrest-manhyia-south-mp-mustapha-gbande/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande admitted to instructing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to arrest Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. Gbande clarified that the request was not due to Awuah's role as a lawyer for Salomey Awiti-Baffoe, as some have speculated. He emphasized that the decision was based on concerns regarding Awuah's conduct, rejecting allegations of a targeted political move. Gbande warned that allowing individuals to disregard law enforcement agencies' requests could undermine the authority of state institutions. He stated that anyone invited by law enforcement over alleged offenses should cooperate, regardless of their political position, rejecting the notion of being above Ghana's laws due to one's status. Gbande challenged Awuah to comply with the invitation and avoid organizing a press conference over the matter. The controversy arose on September 23, 2026, when EOCO attempted to arrest Awuah at the Accra High Court as part of an ongoing investigation following two invitations in February 2026, which Awuah allegedly ignored. EOCO abandoned the operation due to safety concerns. Awuah disputed EOCO's claims, stating that the officer did not provide identification, authority, or a warrant and that he offered to drive himself to EOCO but became suspicious when the officer insisted on using their vehicle. The case was later authorized by the High Court, directing EOCO's arrest and document seizure, following which Awuah reported himself to EOCO on October 1 and was charged with three offenses, granted bail with two sureties after pleading not guilty.",
  "summary": "NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande has admitted that he instructed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Attorney-General charges Manhyia South MP over alleged GH¢9.85m financial loss",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/attorney-general-charges-manhyia-south-mp-over-alleged-gh-9-85m",
        "published": "2026-10-05T15:09:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Manhyia South MP faces 3 charges: Read what prosecutors allege in the SIC Life case",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/manhyia-south-mp-faces-3-charges-read-what-prosecutors-allege-in-the",
        "published": "2026-10-05T15:22:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}