The High Court in Accra has granted Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, GH¢10 million bail with two sureties after he pleaded not guilty to three charges arising from an Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) investigation.

The legislator appeared before the court on Saturday, October 3, where prosecutors presented charges of conspiracy to commit intentional dissipation of public funds, intentionally causing financial loss to the state and money laundering.

He pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

The court subsequently granted him bail in the sum of GH¢10 million with two sureties. The sureties are the Members of Parliament for Bosome Freho and Effia.

The prosecution was led by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai.

The case forms part of investigations by EOCO into alleged financial transactions involving SIC Life Savings and Loans.

The money laundering charge relates to an alleged GH¢1 million transfer involving the then Managing Director of SIC Life in 2024.

Mr Baffour Awuah has denied wrongdoing.

His lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, has maintained that his client’s involvement in the transactions arose from legitimate legal services undertaken in connection with SIC Life Savings and Loans.

The latest court proceedings follow the MP’s voluntary surrender to EOCO on October 1 after the High Court authorised his arrest in connection with the investigation. EOCO subsequently said he was cooperating with investigators.

The development followed an earlier attempt by EOCO officers to secure the MP’s attendance at the Accra High Court on September 23, which resulted in a confrontation at the court premises.

EOCO later obtained a High Court warrant after telling the court that efforts to secure his voluntary attendance had been unsuccessful.

The anti-graft agency had earlier said its investigations concerned allegations including criminal conspiracy, financial loss to SIC Savings and Loans and money laundering.

With the MP formally charged and his pleas taken, the case is expected to proceed through the judicial process, where prosecutors will be required to present evidence in support of the charges.

The allegations against Mr Baffour Awuah have not been proven, and he remains presumed innocent unless found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Source: myjoyonline.com