MP Baffour Awuah defies EOCO, vows court appearance despite arrest threats

Manhyia South MP and lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has declared he will not be intimidated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and has vowed to appear in court to represent his client, despite what he characterises as attempts by the agency to obstruct his legal work.

Speaking to Joy News' PM Express on Wednesday, the defiant MP challenged EOCO officials to arrest him if they believed they had legal authority to do so, whilst simultaneously defending those who assisted him in evading what he described as an attempted kidnapping.

"My brother, I am going to court. I will never be intimidated," Baffour Awuah stated, emphasising that his legal training obligated him to show courage, particularly when defending vulnerable clients. He argued that a lawyer who capitulated to pressure would be failing the profession and those who depend on legal representation.

The dispute centres on Baffour Awuah's representation of his client Salomey Bafoo. The MP has accused EOCO of overstepping its authority and suggested the agency's actions amount to harassment rather than legitimate law enforcement. He remains focused on securing his client's release, framing the conflict as a matter of principle rather than personal concern.

The broader legal and constitutional questions

Baffour Awuah's stance raises important questions about the relationship between law enforcement agencies and defence lawyers in Ghana. The MP has argued that individuals who assisted him in avoiding arrest—which he describes as an unlawful attempt—cannot themselves face legal consequences for providing that assistance.

"If people assist me to avoid being abducted, that certainly cannot be unlawful," he said, adding that EOCO lacks the legal standing to successfully prosecute such individuals in court. The MP gave what he termed "free legal advice" to EOCO, warning that any charges brought against those individuals would not withstand judicial scrutiny.

Baffour Awuah also raised allegations of assault, claiming EOCO officials were involved in an incident with another lawyer, Afuaqua. He indicated that a formal complaint would be filed with the Ministry Police Station regarding this matter, suggesting a pattern of behaviour he views as unprofessional and potentially illegal.

Why it matters for Ghana

This dispute illustrates ongoing tensions between law enforcement agencies and the legal profession in Ghana. The incident raises concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the rights of defence lawyers to represent clients without interference or intimidation from state institutions.

For Ghanaians, the case underscores the importance of robust legal representation and the principle that citizens have the right to counsel. When law enforcement agencies are perceived as obstructing lawyers' work, it potentially undermines public confidence in the justice system and raises questions about due process.

The MP's invocation of faith—citing Psalm 91 as a source of strength and confidence—reflects how high stakes this matter feels for him personally. Whether viewed as spiritual conviction or rhetorical emphasis, Baffour Awuah's comments reveal his determination to proceed regardless of EOCO's position.

As the case returns to court, observers will watch closely to see how Ghanaian judicial institutions handle the competing claims: EOCO's enforcement mandate versus the constitutional right of defence lawyers to represent their clients without state interference. The outcome may have implications for how similar disputes are resolved in future.