Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit intentional dissipation of funds, intentionally causing financial loss to the state and money laundering.
The lawyer entered his plea at the Accra High Court on October 3 after being brought before the court by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
“I am not guilty,” Mr Baffour Awuah told the court.
The hearing followed several days of heightened public attention surrounding the case.
Mr Baffour Awuah, a senior partner at Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah and Partners, voluntarily reported to EOCO at about 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 1. He was arrested after presenting himself to the agency.
His surrender came after EOCO obtained an arrest warrant from the Accra High Court on September 30. The office told the court it had exhausted reasonable efforts to secure his voluntary attendance. The warrant also permitted a search for documents connected to its investigation.
However, the MP disputes EOCO’s claim that he failed to respond to earlier invitations issued in February 2026.
EOCO says its investigation covers alleged criminal conspiracy, financial loss involving SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering, tax-related offences and other matters.
The inquiry has been linked in reports to a GH¢2.2 million payment made to Mr Baffour Awuah’s law firm for legal services involving SIC Life. Mr Baffour Awuah denies receiving the payment.
On October 2, EOCO said it was working with the Office of the Attorney-General to ensure the MP was brought before a weekend court. The move was intended to comply with constitutional requirements concerning detention and bail.
The Office of the Attorney-General also rejected media reports claiming Mr Baffour Awuah had been granted GH¢50 million bail with three sureties, describing those reports as false.
His lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, separately denied that the MP had been granted bail on those terms.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin visited Mr Baffour Awuah in custody alongside other NPP officials. He accused the government of targeting opposition figures.
The case is now before the court.