The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has strongly condemned what it describes as an improper interference with the professional duties of lawyer and Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, by officers of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).
In a statement dated September 24, 2026, and signed by its National President Efua Ghartey and National Secretary Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the GBA said it noted with grave concern an attempt by EOCO to arrest the MP on the premises of the Accra High Court Complex on Tuesday, September 23, 2026.
According to the Association, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah had gone to the court to represent a client in his capacity as a lawyer when the attempted arrest occurred, raising serious questions about respect for professional independence.
The GBA also revealed that another lawyer, Mr. Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah, was allegedly assaulted during the incident by a lady who was subsequently confirmed by EOCO to be its officer, an act captured in videos that have since gone viral.
“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,” the statement said.
The Bar warned that attempts to circumvent due process create a perception of intimidation and could have a chilling effect on the entire legal profession, discouraging lawyers from taking on sensitive cases.
“Lawyers play a critical role in the administration of justice and the protection of the rights of citizens. 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,” it added.
The GBA referenced two previous speeches by its President, Mrs. Efua Ghartey, to show that this is not an isolated concern, but part of a worrying trend of security agencies targeting lawyers.
It recalled her remarks at the 2025 Annual GBA Conference in Wa, where she stated: “The Bar must never waver 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 bro bono cases by well meaning Lawyers.”
The Association also cited the Virtual Mid-Year Conference held on June 5, 2026, where the President recounted another incident involving a former Vice President of the Bar, Justice Minka Premo, and his young female associate.
According to that account, the two lawyers had gone to defend a client at the BNI and “were subjected to such regrettable treatment. They were arrested and detained overnight much to everyone’s chagrin. The female lawyer, a nursing mother was separated from her baby and was initially unable to feed her baby.”
The President at the time questioned: “If these persons were under the security radar, prior to their visit to BNI, why had they not been invited earlier? We trust that such agencies will keep faith with the creed of Ghana’s Constitution- freedom and justice in order that the rendering of professional services to the citizenry is not hampered.”
Legal analysts say the latest incident at the High Court Complex is particularly troubling because the court premises is considered a sacred space for the administration of justice, and any enforcement action there must be handled with utmost restraint.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who is both an MP and a practicing lawyer, was reportedly at the court for a client-related matter when EOCO operatives attempted to effect the arrest, leading to a heated confrontation.
The inclusion of Mr. Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah’s alleged assault has further inflamed tensions at the Bar, with many lawyers taking to social media to demand an unqualified apology from EOCO.
The GBA is now calling 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 concluded.
EOCO is yet to officially respond to the GBA’s statement and the allegations of assault by its female officer.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debate about the boundaries between law enforcement and legal representation in Ghana, with many arguing that the safety and independence of lawyers must be non-negotiable.
The GBA says it will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to protect its members from what it describes as arbitrary and irregular actions by state agencies.
Below is the Full Statement:
