The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has expressed concern over the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court Complex. The incident occurred on September 23, 2026, when Mr Baffour Awuah was representing a client in his capacity as a lawyer. The GBA condemned the incident, citing the need to protect the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession.
The GBA took note of videos circulating online showing another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, complaining of being assaulted by a woman later confirmed by EOCO to be its officer. The Association stressed that while no individual is above the law, enforcement action involving lawyers must respect constitutional guarantees, applicable legal procedures, and the independence of the legal profession. It warned that actions perceived as circumventing those safeguards could create an atmosphere of intimidation and have a chilling effect on lawyers performing their professional duties.
The GBA emphasized that lawyers play a critical role in the administration of justice and the protection of citizens' rights. Any action that appears to interfere with lawyers' ability to represent clients through "arbitrary or irregular measures" risks undermining public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law. The Association referred to concerns previously raised by its President, Mrs Efua Ghartey, about incidents involving lawyers while performing their professional duties.
At the GBA's 2025 annual conference in Wa, Mrs Ghartey said: "The Bar must never waver in its role as the voice of the voiceless." She also expressed concerns over the treatment of lawyers while performing their duties, warning that such conduct could stifle the provision of pro bono services. The GBA is now calling on EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that their actions comply with due process, fairness, and respect for the rights of all persons involved.
The GBA's President, Mrs Efua Ghartey, had also raised concerns over the treatment of former GBA Vice President Justice Minka Premo and a young female associate who had gone to defend a client at BNI. According to her, the two were arrested and detained overnight, with the female lawyer separated from her baby. The GBA is urging EOCO to respect the constitutional protections for MPs and the independence of the legal profession.
The Association added that the rule of law demands not only that justice be done but also that it be seen to be done. The independence of the legal profession remains a cornerstone of democratic society and must be protected. The GBA's statement was signed by its President, Mrs Efua Ghartey, and National Secretary Kwaku Gyau Baffour.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many expressing concerns over the use of state power and the protection of human rights. The MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has accused EOCO boss Raymond Archer of abusing state power. The GBA's condemnation of EOCO's actions highlights the need for state institutions to respect the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession.
Key points
- - The GBA has condemned EOCO's attempted arrest of MP Baffour Awuah, citing risks to the rule of law and lawyers' independence. - The Association emphasized the critical role of lawyers in the administration of justice and the protection of citizens' rights. - The GBA is urging EOCO to respect the constitutional protections for MPs and the independence of the legal profession.
