The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has cautioned the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other state institutions against the abuse of power and violations of human rights, urging them to discharge their duties responsibly, fairly, and in accordance with due process.

This follows the attempted arrest of the Manhyia South Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, at the Accra High Court.

According to them, the attempted arrest of the MP, who was at the court in his capacity as a lawyer representing a client, raised serious concerns about due process, professional independence, and respect for the rights of lawyers.

In a statement issued on Friday, September 25, the GBA also expressed concern over videos of the incident in which another lawyer, Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, complained of being assaulted by the EOCO officer involved in the attempted arrest.

The Association stressed that while no individual is above the law, enforcement actions involving members of the legal profession must be conducted in accordance with constitutional guarantees and applicable legal procedures.

It warned that actions that appear to circumvent these safeguards could create a perception of intimidation and have a chilling effect on lawyers in the discharge of their professional duties.

The GBA further noted that lawyers play a critical role in the administration of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights, cautioning that any interference with their professional duties could undermine public confidence in the justice system and the rule of law.

The Association referenced previous concerns raised by its President about the treatment of lawyers while performing their professional duties, including incidents in which lawyers were arrested or subjected to what the GBA described as regrettable treatment.

Against this backdrop, the GBA called on EOCO and all relevant state institutions to ensure that actions taken in the discharge of their responsibilities are consistent with due process, fairness, and respect for the rights of all persons 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.

Source: Citinews