The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has expressed concern over an attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP and lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on the premises of the Accra High Court Complex
According to the GBA, the incident occurred on September 23, 2026, while the legislator was at the court to represent a client in his capacity as a lawyer.
In a statement signed by the GBA National President, Mrs Efua Ghartey, and National Secretary, Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the Association said it had also taken note of videos circulating on social media in which another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, reportedly complained of being assaulted by a woman later confirmed by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to be its officer.
The GBA stressed that while no individual is above the law, enforcement actions involving lawyers must be conducted in accordance with constitutional guarantees, due process and applicable legal procedures, particularly when the lawyer is engaged in representing a client.
It said actions that appear to interfere with lawyers in the discharge of their professional duties could undermine confidence in the justice system and have implications for the independence of the legal profession.
The Association cited remarks previously made by its President at the 2025 Annual GBA Conference in Wa, where she called for lawyers to be allowed to defend clients of their choice without intimidation or disruption.
The GBA also referenced concerns raised at its Virtual Mid-Year Conference in June 2026 regarding an earlier incident involving former GBA Vice-President Justice Minka Premo and a female lawyer who were reportedly arrested and detained overnight while seeking to represent a client at the then Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
The Association has called on EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that enforcement actions are carried out in accordance with due process, fairness and respect for the rights of all persons involved.
It further stressed that the independence of the legal profession remains an important component of the justice system and must be protected.
