Activist-lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor has criticized the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) for what he sees as selective outrage over the attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. On September 23, 2026, a woman claiming to be an EOCO officer tried to arrest the MP inside the Accra High Court while he was representing a client. The GBA subsequently condemned the incident, prompting Barker-Vormawor to question the association's consistency in defending lawyers.
Barker-Vormawor, who has himself been arrested and handcuffed in the past, expressed his concerns on social media, stating that the GBA only finds its voice for certain lawyers. He recalled his own experiences, including an arrest while driving to court, which he claimed was unjustified. Barker-Vormawor also mentioned the cases of law students Timothy Selikem Donkor and Agaaya Adongo, who were allegedly manhandled and detained after attending a protest.
The activist-lawyer further cited the arrest of lawyer and activist Ama Governor, saying the GBA "looked away" after she was taken into custody following her call to the Bar. Barker-Vormawor's comments suggest that the GBA's selective outrage may be perceived as partisanship. He welcomed the GBA's intervention in the Baffour Awuah case but expressed hope that the association would consistently defend lawyers in the future.
The GBA is the professional body representing lawyers in Ghana, and its statements often carry significant weight in disputes involving the judiciary, law enforcement, and the legal profession. The association's response to the Baffour Awuah case has raised questions about its consistency in applying protections to lawyers, particularly those who have clashed with state institutions during protests.
Barker-Vormawor's remarks have reopened discussions about the relationship between law enforcement agencies, such as EOCO, and the legal profession. The incident has highlighted tensions over how arrests of lawyers, whether MPs, activists, or young advocates, are handled, especially when they occur inside courtrooms or during demonstrations.
The broader dispute between EOCO and Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah remains unresolved, with the MP previously alleging that the arrest attempt was linked to a cocaine scandal. As of the latest reporting, no timeline has been given for any further action by the GBA in response to Barker-Vormawor's remarks, nor has the association issued a public reply to his allegations.
The exchange between Barker-Vormawor and the GBA has significant implications for the legal profession and law enforcement agencies in Ghana. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for selective justice and the need for consistent protections for lawyers, regardless of their involvement in protests or formal legal representation.
Key points
- Barker-Vormawor criticizes GBA for selective outrage over MP's arrest bid.
- GBA's consistency in defending lawyers questioned.
- Incident highlights tensions between law enforcement and the legal profession.
