GBA Condemns EOCO’s Attempt To Arrest MP On High Court Premises
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned the attempted arrest of the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by officers of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on the premises of the Accra High Court Complex.
In a statement dated September 24, 2026, and signed by National President Mrs Efua Ghartey and National Secretary Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the GBA said it had noted with grave concern the attempt to arrest the MP on September 23, 2026, when he had gone to represent a client in his capacity as a lawyer.
The Association said it also observed in widely circulated videos of the attempted arrest that another lawyer, Mr Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, complained of being assaulted by a lady, subsequently confirmed by EOCO to be its officer.
The GBA stated that while no individual is above the law, 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.
It said that attempts to circumvent these safeguards create the perception of intimidation and may have a chilling effect on the legal profession as a whole.
The statement noted that lawyers play a critical role in the administration of justice and the protection of the rights of citizens, and any action that appears to interfere with their ability to discharge their professional duties, particularly through arbitrary or irregular measures, risks undermining public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law.
The Association called on EOCO and all relevant state institutions and agencies to ensure that all actions taken in the discharge of their responsibilities 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 independence of the legal profession is a cornerstone of every democratic society and must be protected at all times,” the statement said.
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