GBA Condemns Alleged Interference With Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Assault On Colleague

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned what it describes as improper interference with the discharge of professional duties by lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.

In a statement dated September 24, 2026 and signed by National President Efua Ghartey and National Secretary Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the GBA said it has noted with grave concern the attempt by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to arrest the Manhyia South Member of Parliament, who is also a lawyer, on the premises of the Accra High Court Complex on September 23, 2026, while he had gone to represent a client.

The Association said it has also observed in widely circulated videos the attempted arrest of another lawyer, Mr. Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, who complained of being assaulted by a lady subsequently confirmed by EOCO to be its officer.

The GBA said 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.

"Attempts to circumvent these safeguards create the perception of intimidation and may have a chilling effect on the legal profession as a whole," the statement said.

The Association stressed that lawyers play a critical role in the administration of justice and protection of citizens' rights, and any action that appears to interfere with their ability to discharge professional duties, particularly through arbitrary or irregular measures, risks undermining public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law.

The GBA recalled remarks by its President at the 2025 annual GBA conference in Wa and the Virtual Mid-Year Conference on June 5, 2026, where she cautioned against incidents affecting lawyers in the performance of their duties.

The President had said: "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 pro bono cases by well meaning lawyers."

She also cited the case of a former Vice President of the Bar, Justice Minka Premo and his young female associate, who were arrested and detained overnight after going to defend a client at BNI.

The GBA has therefore called on EOCO and all relevant state institutions 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.