The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has strongly condemned an attempt by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court on September 23. The MP, who was representing a client as a lawyer, was the subject of an attempted arrest that the GBA has described as a serious breach of constitutional and professional safeguards.
According to the GBA, videos of the incident revealed an assault on lawyer Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa by a woman identified as an EOCO officer. The Association expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing that lawyers must be able to perform their duties without intimidation or interference. The GBA warned that failure to respect these safeguards could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
The GBA acknowledged that no individual is above the law but emphasized that enforcement agencies must ensure that investigations and arrests involving lawyers are carried out in accordance with due process. The Association stressed that lawyers play a fundamental role in the administration of justice and in protecting citizens' rights, and that actions that interfere with their ability to represent clients could have far-reaching consequences.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many expressing concerns over the use of force by EOCO. The GBA has called on EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that their activities are conducted in accordance with due process, fairness, and respect for the rights of all persons involved. The Association's President had previously expressed concern about incidents involving lawyers in the course of their work.
The GBA also referenced an earlier incident involving former Vice-President of the Bar, Justice Minka Premo, and a young female lawyer, who were arrested and detained overnight at the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI). The Association questioned why the two lawyers had not been invited earlier if they were under the security radar prior to their visit to BNI.
The Ghana Bar Association's statement emphasized that the rule of law demands not only that justice be done but also that it be seen to be done. The Association stressed that the independence of the legal profession is a cornerstone of every democratic society and must be respected at all times. The GBA's condemnation of the attempted arrest has sparked a national conversation about the limits of executive power and the protection of lawyers' rights.
The incident has sparked a strong reaction from various stakeholders, including politicians and civil society organizations. The Minority has slammed EOCO over the attempted arrest, describing it as an abuse of power. Others have called for calm and urged the authorities to respect the rights of all individuals, including lawmakers and lawyers. The MP at the center of the controversy has described the arrest attempt as 'provocation.'
Key points
- The Ghana Bar Association has condemned the attempt by EOCO to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court, citing concerns over lawyer safety and due process.
- The Association has expressed concern over the alleged assault of another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, during the incident.
- The GBA has called on EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that their activities are conducted in accordance with due process, fairness, and respect for the rights of all persons involved.
