The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has raised concerns over the attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the Accra High Court.
The incident occurred on September 23, 2026, while Baffour Awuah was at the court to represent a client in his capacity as a lawyer. The attempted arrest was linked by EOCO to an ongoing investigation.
In a statement, the GBA said it was particularly concerned about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the potential implications for lawyers carrying out their professional duties.
The Association also drew attention to videos from the confrontation which showed another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, complaining that he had been assaulted by a woman later identified by EOCO as one of its officers.
While acknowledging that no individual is above the law, the GBA said enforcement actions involving lawyers must respect constitutional protections, due process and the independence of the legal profession.
“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 stressed that lawyers play a central role in protecting citizens’ rights and supporting the administration of justice.
EOCO, meanwhile, has said Baffour Awuah had previously been invited twice in February 2026 to assist with an investigation but did not honour the invitations. The agency said the attempted arrest was part of lawful steps to secure his attendance, but officers abandoned the operation after assessing that continuing could endanger public safety.
The GBA has called on EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that enforcement activities comply with due process and respect professional independence.
