Private Legal Practitioner Martin Kpebu has reacted to the alleged attempted arrest of lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah by officers of the Economic and Organised Crime Office inside the Accra High Court premises, describing the action as a clear retrogression of rule of law gains in Ghana. The incident is linked to the Ghana Jollof case involving detained nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti.
Kpebu argued that attempting to arrest a lawyer who is actively representing a client before a High Court judge undermines constitutional protections and sets a dangerous precedent for legal practice. He said counsel must be allowed to discharge duties without intimidation from state investigative bodies. His comments have ignited fresh debate on social media after videos of the Accra court altercation surfaced.
According to Martin Kpebu, the EOCO move represents a step backward for democratic accountability and due process. He urged the Attorney General and the General Legal Council to intervene and ensure security agencies respect court precincts and legal procedure when seeking persons of interest.
In Ghana justice system context, legal practitioners enjoy immunity for statements made in court and protection under the Legal Profession Act which guarantees fearless advocacy. Similar to how CSSPS ensures merit-based placement for BECE candidates, WASSCE grading uses standardized 8 point scale from A1 to F9, Free SHS policy removes financial barriers to secondary education, Energy Commission licensing regulates safety standards for electrical installations and Galamsey laws under Minerals and Mining Act prohibit illegal mining near water bodies, the rule of law requires agencies to obtain warrants and respect court decorum.
Observers note the alleged attempted arrest of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, counsel for Techiman nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti in the Ghana Jollof case, could chill lawyer client relationships if not addressed. Kpebu said Ghana cannot afford retrogression at a time when judicial independence is being strengthened.
The Ghana Bar Association and EOCO are yet to issue formal positions while calls grow for a clear protocol to guide interactions between investigators and lawyers inside court premises to avoid repeat clashes.
Source: #Howedey.com
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Author: Korkor Anumu
