Baffour Awuah pleads not guilty in SIC Savings and Loans case

The Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit intentional dissipation of funds, intentionally causing financial loss to the state and money laundering.

He made the plea when he was put before an Accra High Court on October 3 by the Economic and Organised Crime Office.

"I am not guilty," he told the court.

The arraignment before the High Court on October 3 follows days of heightened public attention over his case.

Mr Baffour Awuah, a lawyer and senior partner at Sarkodie, Baffour Awuah and Partners, voluntarily reported to EOCO at about 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, and was subsequently placed under arrest.

His surrender came after EOCO secured an arrest warrant from the Accra High Court on September 30, telling the court that it had exhausted reasonable means of securing his voluntary attendance. The warrant also authorised a search for documents relevant to its investigation. The MP disputes EOCO's account that he ignored earlier invitations in February 2026.

According to EOCO, the investigation concerns alleged criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans, money laundering, tax-related offences and other matters under investigation. Reports have linked the probe to a GH¢2.2 million payment made to his law firm in connection with legal services involving SIC Life, which Mr Baffour Awuah denies receiving.

On October 2, EOCO said it was working with the Office of the Attorney-General to bring him before a weekend court in compliance with constitutional timelines on detention and bail. The Office dismissed media reports that he had been granted GH¢50 million bail with three sureties, describing the reports as false. His lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, also denied the bail reports.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who visited the MP in custody with other NPP officials, has accused government of targeting opposition figures.

The matter is now before the court.