Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manyhia South, has challenged the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) authority over lawyers’ professional fees. On Saturday, September 26, he posted on Facebook questioning whether EOCO is responsible for regulating or setting lawyers’ fees.
His post responded to recent allegations against him. He wrote: “First, they said I refused to honour their invitation. When that propaganda failed, they now claim that I charged unapproved professional fees.” He then asked directly, “Is EOCO responsible for regulating or determining lawyers’ professional fees?”
The MP’s remarks come amid accusations that he or his law firm, SBA and Partners, received GHS2.2 million from a GHS5 million sum as legal fees. He denied these claims. He also rejected reports that he or his firm transferred money to the former Managing Director of SIC Life Savings and Loans.
Further allegations involved a judicial sale of a property valued at GHS24 million. According to the claims, GHS6 million from the sale was remitted to him or his firm. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah denied this, saying no such judicial sale took place.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office has been investigating the MP over these financial matters. Earlier reports stated EOCO had invited him for questioning, but he denied refusing to attend.
The situation raises questions about EOCO’s mandate concerning legal fees. Lawyers’ fees are usually governed by professional bodies such as the Ghana Bar Association, not law enforcement agencies. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah’s public challenge to EOCO’s role brings this issue into focus.
EOCO’s investigations into financial transactions involving public officials have drawn attention before. But this instance touches on the boundaries between legal regulation and criminal investigation.
The MP’s firm, SBA and Partners, has not issued a public statement beyond his Facebook post. EOCO has not commented yet on the latest allegations or the MP’s challenge to its authority.
The case remains active, with public interest in how EOCO handles claims involving legal fees and alleged financial misconduct. The questions raised by Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah about EOCO’s role could lead to a wider discussion on legal profession oversight and the powers of anti-corruption agencies in Ghana.
According to Joy Online.
