Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has been released from EOCO custody after meeting the conditions of a GHC10 million bail granted by the High Court on October 3.
Speaking as he left the court, Baffour Awuah denied wrongdoing and challenged the allegations against him to be tested in court rather than through the media.
“I’m above board. No dirt can stick on me; it’s not about releasing untested evidence to the media. Come to court and prove your allegations,” he said.
The court granted bail with two sureties without justification after the Deputy Attorney-General declined to oppose an application filed by lawyers representing the legislator.
Baffour Awuah has pleaded not guilty to charges linked to SIC Savings and Loans company Ltd. The allegations include intentionally dissipating public funds, causing financial loss to the state and money laundering involving GHC9.85million.
He said he remained in good spirits and thanked people in Ghana for their support.
“I’m extremely grateful to the people of Ghana who have seen through the propaganda of the NDC. The support they’ve given me is massive and I will assure them that I am indeed innocent, no dirt can stick on me,” he said.
“It’s not about releasing untested evidence to the media. Come to court and come and prove that whatever you are alleging amounts to guilt on my part for which reason you think the court should convict me.
“Again, I thank the people of Ghana and I assure them that I am indeed innocent and this is a clear case of witch-hunting.”
Baffour Awuah also thanked Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of his party, for visiting and supporting his mother emotionally.
“He’s done so well, going to the extent of going to see my old lady to support her emotionally, is something that I really appreciate and will not take it for granted. The entirety of the party, the support has been very massive,” he said.
He also acknowledged the backing of his parliamentary leadership, fellow MPs and constituents in Manhyia South, saying his commitment to them remained resolute.
The MP said the case would not stop him from speaking out on principles and issues he supported. He specifically referred to Selormey, a mother of three whom he said had been taken to Accra without the knowledge of her adult family members and denied legal representation.
“I will continue to advocate for Selormey, the innocent mother of three who was snatched at the blind side of her adult family members, brought to Accra and at all material times, just like many other cases involving some other women who have been exercising their right to free speech, consciously denied the right to representation in court, a right which is crucial to fair trial,” he said.
Baffour Awuah added that he would continue his work and would not be deterred.
His lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, expressed satisfaction with the High Court’s decision to grant bail.
