Omanghana
Accra, Ghana — The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has condemned the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) over an attempted arrest of Manhyia South Member of Parliament and private legal practitioner Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court Complex.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, after Baffour Awuah had appeared before the High Court’s General Jurisdiction 2 as counsel for a client.
In a statement signed by GBA National President Mrs. Efua Ghartey and National Secretary Kwaku Gyau Baffour, the Association criticized the manner in which the attempted arrest was carried out, arguing that such actions could interfere with lawyers’ ability to perform their professional duties and undermine the independence of the legal profession.
Arrest attempt follows court appearance
Baffour Awuah was at the court representing Salomey Awity Bafoh, who is on remand in connection with allegations of abetting the publication of false news through the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account.
According to accounts of the incident, EOCO operatives approached the MP in the foyer of the High Court after the court proceedings.
The situation reportedly escalated when the operatives sought to take Baffour Awuah into custody. The MP allegedly insisted that he should be allowed to travel in his own vehicle rather than being placed in an EOCO vehicle.
Video footage from the scene showed a confrontation involving the MP, lawyers and EOCO personnel as the attempted arrest unfolded.
Co-counsel reportedly assaulted
The GBA also raised concerns about the treatment of another lawyer at the scene.
According to the Association and co-counsel Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, Afoakwa was physically assaulted by a female EOCO operative during the confrontation.
The incident has prompted the GBA to call for law enforcement agencies to observe due process and respect the professional responsibilities of lawyers, particularly when they are engaged in court proceedings.
EOCO explains attempted arrest
EOCO has confirmed that its officers attempted to arrest Baffour Awuah but said the operation was eventually called off.
The agency maintained that its personnel were carrying out their statutory responsibilities and said the MP was wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation.
EOCO stated that Baffour Awuah had allegedly failed to respond to two invitations issued to him in February 2026 to assist with investigations.
The agency said its officers discontinued the operation after assessing that continuing with the arrest could potentially endanger public safety.
MP disputes EOCO’s account
Baffour Awuah has disputed EOCO’s claim that he ignored formal invitations.
The MP said he had not received the alleged February invitations and denied deliberately evading investigators.
He has also alleged that the attempted arrest was politically motivated and intended to divert public attention from a separate national cocaine-related controversy. That claim remains an allegation and has not been independently established.
GBA calls for respect for legal profession
While acknowledging that no individual is above the law, the GBA said law enforcement agencies must exercise their powers within constitutional and legal limits.
The Association argued that enforcement actions within court premises must not obstruct lawyers who are carrying out their professional duties or interfere with the administration of justice.
The GBA referenced previous confrontations involving security agencies and lawyers as part of its broader concern about the relationship between law enforcement and the legal profession.
The incident has generated renewed debate over the balance between law enforcement powers and the independence of legal practitioners, particularly when arrests are attempted within court premises.
EOCO’s position and the GBA’s concerns are now likely to remain central to discussions surrounding the incident as investigations continue.
Source: Omanghana
