The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has expressed concern over the attempted arrest of lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) while he was representing a client at the Accra High Court Complex. The incident was captured on video, which also showed another lawyer, Enoch Anwere Afoakwa, complaining of being assaulted by EOCO personnel.
In a statement dated September 24, 2026, the GBA said it had taken note of the videos from the incident and emphasized that investigations or enforcement actions involving lawyers must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and applicable legal procedures. The association stressed that lawyers play a crucial role in the administration of justice and protection of citizens' rights.
The GBA warned that actions perceived as interfering with lawyers' ability to perform their professional duties could undermine public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law. The association recalled comments by its President at the 2025 annual conference in Wa, where she stressed the need for lawyers to represent clients without intimidation.
The GBA cited an earlier incident involving former Vice-President of the Bar, Justice Minka Premo, and a female lawyer who were arrested and detained overnight at the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI). The female lawyer, a nursing mother, was separated from her baby and initially unable to breastfeed the child, raising concerns about the treatment of lawyers while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The GBA called on EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that enforcement actions are carried out in accordance with due process, fairness, and respect for the rights of all persons involved. The association emphasized that the rule of law demands not only that justice be done but also that it be seen to be done.
The GBA defended the independence of the legal profession, stating that it remains an essential component of a democratic society and must be protected at all times. The association's National President, Efua Ghartey, and National Secretary, Kwaku Gyau Baffour, signed the statement.
The GBA's criticism of EOCO's actions highlights the need for state institutions to respect the principles of professional independence and due process when interacting with lawyers. The association's statement concludes that lawyers should be able to defend clients of their choice without being heckled or intimidated.
Key points
- The Ghana Bar Association criticizes EOCO's attempted arrest of lawyer Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court Complex.
- The GBA emphasizes the need for due process and respect for the independence of the legal profession.
- The association cites previous incidents of lawyers being mistreated while carrying out their professional responsibilities.
