The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other public agencies to act within the law and avoid excesses that infringe on fundamental freedoms.
The call follows the foiled bid to apprehend Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, inside the Accra High Court where he had appeared as counsel for a client.
In a release on Friday, September 25, 2026, the Association said the move raised grave questions about procedural propriety, the autonomy of the Bar and the dignity of legal practitioners.
It also flagged viral footage in which lawyer Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa alleged he was manhandled by the EOCO operative during the operation.
The GBA emphasised that although everyone was subject to the law, any step taken against lawyers must follow constitutional provisions and laid-down procedures.
It cautioned that conduct seen as sidestepping such protections may be viewed as harassment and could discourage lawyers from freely carrying out their work.
The body underscored the pivotal place of lawyers in justice delivery and safeguarding liberties, warning that meddling in their functions risked eroding trust in the courts and democratic governance.
It recalled earlier complaints by its President over the handling of lawyers in the line of duty, including arrests and what it termed unfortunate encounters.
The Association therefore charged EOCO and sister institutions to act responsibly, impartially and with full regard for the rights of all parties.
“The rule of law demands not only that justice be done, but that it be seen to be done,” it stated, insisting the independence of the legal profession must be jealously guarded.
