The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has expressed concern over the attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament and lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court Complex while he was representing a client.
In a statement dated September 24, 2026, the GBA said the incident occurred on September 23, when officers of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) attempted to arrest Mr Baffour Awuah on the court premises.
The association said it was particularly concerned that the attempted arrest took place while the MP was carrying out his professional duties as a lawyer.
EOCO has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Mr Baffour Awuah as part of an ongoing investigation. The agency said the MP had previously been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with the investigation but failed to honour the invitations. EOCO described the attempted arrest as part of lawful steps to secure his attendance.
The GBA, however, stressed that while no individual is above the law, investigations or enforcement actions involving lawyers must be conducted in accordance with constitutional guarantees, legal procedures and respect for professional independence.
“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 also drew attention to videos of the incident which it said showed another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, complaining of being assaulted by the woman later confirmed by EOCO to be one of its officers.
According to reports, the confrontation occurred shortly after Mr Baffour Awuah had appeared at the High Court to represent Salomey Baffoe Awiti in a bail application. The MP later left the court premises and went to Parliament.
The Bar Association said lawyers play a critical role in the administration of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights, warning that actions perceived as interfering with lawyers’ professional duties could undermine public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law.
The association cited remarks made by its President, Efua Ghartey, at the 2025 annual GBA conference in Wa, where she said lawyers should be free to defend clients of their choice without being subjected to harassment.
“The Bar must never waiver in its role as the voice of the voiceless. Unfortunately, recent incidents affecting lawyers in the performance of their duties, have left much to be desired. Lawyers should be at liberty to defend clients of their choice without being heckled. Such unruly acts may stifle the provision of pro bono cases by well meaning Lawyers.”
The GBA also referenced comments made by Mrs Ghartey at the association’s virtual mid-year conference on June 5, 2026, concerning the arrest and overnight detention of former Vice President of the Bar, Justice Minka Premo, and a young female lawyer who had gone to the defence of a client at the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
The association said the incidents underscore the need for state institutions to ensure that the delivery of legal services is not unnecessarily hampered.
The GBA therefore called on EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that their actions are consistent 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 association said, adding that the independence of the legal profession is a cornerstone of democratic societies and must be protected.
The statement was signed by GBA National President Efua Ghartey and National Secretary Kwaku Gyau Baffour.
