The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has cautioned the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other state institutions against the abuse of authority and violations of human rights, urging public officials to perform their duties in accordance with the law and due process.
The warning follows an attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court.
According to the GBA, the incident has raised concerns about due process, professional independence and the rights of lawyers, particularly because the MP was reportedly at the court in his capacity as a lawyer representing a client.
GBA Raises Concerns Over Accra High Court Incident
In a statement issued on Friday, September 25, 2026, the Ghana Bar Association expressed concern over videos circulating from the incident.
The Association specifically referenced allegations by another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, who reportedly complained that he was assaulted by an EOCO officer involved in the attempted arrest.
The GBA stressed that although no individual is above the law, law enforcement actions involving lawyers must comply with constitutional protections, established legal procedures and the principles of justice.
Lawyers’ Professional Independence Must Be Protected
The Ghana Bar Association warned that actions perceived as bypassing legal safeguards could create concerns about intimidation and potentially discourage lawyers from carrying out their professional responsibilities.
The Association emphasised that lawyers have an important role in the administration of justice, protection of citizens’ rights and upholding the rule of law.
According to the GBA, interference with lawyers while they are performing legitimate professional duties could affect public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
GBA Recalls Previous Concerns About Treatment of Lawyers
The Association also referred to concerns previously raised by its President regarding the treatment of lawyers while performing their professional duties.
The GBA said there have been earlier instances in which lawyers were arrested or subjected to what it described as inappropriate treatment, highlighting the need for state institutions to respect the independence of the legal profession.
Call for EOCO to Respect Due Process
Against the backdrop of the latest incident, the Ghana Bar Association called on EOCO and other relevant government institutions to ensure that all enforcement actions are carried out with fairness, transparency and respect for the rights of individuals.
The Association maintained that law enforcement agencies must balance the enforcement of the law with the constitutional rights and legal protections available to every person.
“The rule of law demands not only that justice be done, but that it be seen to be done,” the GBA stated.
The Association further stressed that the independence of the legal profession is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance and must be protected.
The development is expected to generate further discussion about EOCO’s powers, lawyers’ rights, due process in Ghana, human rights and the rule of law.
Source: newsthemegh.com