The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called on EOCO and other state institutions to exercise their powers responsibly and fairly, while respecting human rights and adhering strictly to due process.
The call comes after the reported attempt by EOCO officials to arrest Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah at the Accra High Court.
The Association said the reported attempt to arrest the Manhyia South MP while he was at the court acting as legal counsel for a client raised concerns about adherence to due process, the independence of legal professionals and respect for lawyers’ rights.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 25, the GBA also raised concerns over videos of the incident, which showed another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, alleging that he was assaulted by an EOCO officer involved in the reported arrest attempt.
The Association stressed that although everyone is subject to the law, any enforcement action involving legal practitioners must respect constitutional protections and follow the appropriate legal procedures.
The GBA cautioned that bypassing such safeguards could be perceived as an attempt to intimidate legal practitioners and may discourage lawyers from carrying out their professional responsibilities freely.
The GBA also emphasised the important role lawyers play in administering justice and safeguarding citizens’ rights, warning that interference with their professional duties could weaken public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law.
The Association also cited earlier concerns raised by its President over the treatment of lawyers in the course of their professional duties, including instances where legal practitioners were arrested or subjected to what the GBA described as unacceptable treatment.
In light of these concerns, the GBA urged EOCO and other state institutions to ensure that all actions taken in the course of their duties comply with due process, uphold fairness and respect the rights of everyone involved.
“The rule of law demands not only that justice be done, but that it be seen to be done,” the GBA said, stressing that the independence of the legal profession remains a cornerstone of a democratic society and must be protected.
The GBA said safeguarding the independence of the legal profession requires state institutions to exercise their powers within the limits of the law. It urged EOCO and other authorities to ensure that future enforcement actions uphold due process, human rights and public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
