The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned an alleged attempt by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to arrest Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the premises of the Accra High Court.
The MP, who is also a lawyer, was at the court on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to represent a client when the incident occurred.
The GBA has also expressed concern over the alleged assault of another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, during the incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, the Association said it had reviewed videos of the incident and observed what it described as an assault on Mr Afoakwa by a woman later identified by EOCO as one of its officers.
The GBA said while no individual is above the law, law enforcement agencies must ensure that investigations and arrests involving lawyers are carried out in accordance with constitutional and professional safeguards, particularly when they are performing their duties on behalf of clients.
“Attempts to circumvent these safeguards create the perception of intimidation and may have a chilling effect on the legal profession as a whole,” the Association said.
The GBA said lawyers play a fundamental role in the administration of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights, warning that actions that interfere with their ability to represent clients could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
The Association further referred to remarks by its President at the 2025 Annual GBA Conference in Wa, where she raised concerns about incidents involving lawyers in the course of their professional duties.
She said lawyers should be able to defend clients of their choice without being subjected to heckling or other forms of intimidation, warning that such conduct could discourage lawyers from taking on pro bono cases.
GBA recalls previous incident involving lawyers
The Association also cited comments made by its President during the GBA’s Virtual Mid-Year Conference on June 5, 2026, regarding an earlier incident involving former Vice-President of the Bar, Justice Minka Premo, and a young female lawyer.
According to the GBA President, the two lawyers had gone to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to represent a client but were subsequently arrested and detained overnight.
She questioned why the lawyers had not been invited earlier if the individuals they went to represent were already under investigation.
The GBA has therefore 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 rule of law demands not only that justice be done, but that it be seen to be done. The independence of the legal profession is a cornerstone of every democratic society and must be at all times,” the statement said.
