The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has raised concerns about the manner in which the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) attempted to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 25, the Association said the incident on September 23 was particularly concerning because the MP was at the court in his professional capacity as a lawyer representing a client.
The GBA also drew attention to videos from the incident in which another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, was seen complaining of being assaulted by a woman later identified by EOCO as one of its officers.
While acknowledging that no person is above the law, the Association said law enforcement agencies must follow constitutional protections and established legal procedures when dealing with lawyers.
It cautioned that failure to observe such safeguards could create the impression of intimidation and potentially have a chilling effect on the legal profession.
According to the GBA, lawyers are central to the administration of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights, making it important that their ability to carry out their professional responsibilities is not compromised.
The Association has therefore urged EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that enforcement actions are undertaken fairly, lawfully and with due regard for the rights of all persons involved.
It further stressed that the independence of the legal profession remains fundamental to a democratic society and must be safeguarded.
The GBA added that the rule of law requires not only that justice is done, but that it is visibly and demonstrably done.
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Read the full statement below:
