The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has expressed concerns over the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament and lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the Accra High Court. The incident occurred on September 23, 2026, after Baffour Awuah represented his client, Salomey Awiti Baffoe, in court. The GBA says the attempted arrest raises serious concerns for legal independence.
According to the GBA, investigations or enforcement actions involving lawyers must respect constitutional protections and established legal procedures. The Association stated that attempts to circumvent these safeguards create the perception of intimidation and may have a chilling effect on the legal profession. The incident involved a confrontation between Baffour Awuah, his legal team, and an EOCO official.
EOCO clarified that Baffour Awuah had previously been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with an ongoing investigation but did not honour the invitations. The agency said the attempted arrest was part of lawful steps to secure his attendance. The confrontation was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, showing the MP and EOCO officials engaging in a heated exchange.
The incident involved Salomey Awiti Baffoe, a senior nursing officer from Techiman, who is facing a charge of allegedly abetting the publication of false news in connection with the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok case. Baffour Awuah was representing Baffoe in her bail application at the High Court, which was later rejected. The GBA's concerns highlight the need for law enforcement agencies to follow due process when interacting with members of the legal profession.
The Ghana Bar Association emphasized that any investigation or enforcement action involving a member of the legal profession, especially when they are representing clients, must be conducted strictly in accordance with constitutional guarantees, applicable legal procedures, and respect for professional independence. The Association's statement underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law while protecting the rights of lawyers.
The incident has sparked a debate about the limits of law enforcement agencies' powers when interacting with members of the legal profession. The GBA's condemnation of EOCO's actions suggests that the Association will be vigilant in protecting the rights of its members and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. The incident is currently under investigation.
The GBA's statement has highlighted the need for EOCO to balance its enforcement powers with respect for the constitutional rights of individuals, particularly members of the legal profession. The Association's concerns are aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future and promoting a culture of respect for the rule of law.
Key points
- The Ghana Bar Association has condemned EOCO's attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, citing concerns for legal independence.
- The incident occurred on September 23, 2026, at the Accra High Court, where Baffour Awuah represented his client, Salomey Awiti Baffoe.
- The GBA emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to follow due process when interacting with members of the legal profession.
