In a noteworthy incident during the “Save the Judiciary” protest, Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, clarified his actions captured in a viral video. The video shows him in an altercation with a police officer at Jubilee House. Afenyo-Markin denies allegations of unwarranted aggression and claims the story has been misrepresented.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the incident was provoked by Constable Forson, who allegedly struck him while he was attempting to access Parliament House to join the protest with his colleagues. He detailed these events in a formal statement on May 5, 2025, expressing his condemnation of the officer’s conduct.
Statement Details the Protest and Incident
As part of the protest, Afenyo-Markin led demonstrators to Parliament House after submitting a petition to the Supreme Court. The next stop was Jubilee House. While most protest leaders had already gained access to Parliament, Afenyo-Markin, alongside Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, was invited to join them by the Communications Director, Mr. Richard Ahiagbah.
Afenyo-Markin describes approaching the barricade when Constable Forson struck him in the chest with considerable force, near his heart.
“The impact left me dazed, shaken, and breathless,” Afenyo-Markin recounted. “I questioned the officer’s intent to harm me.”
He received immediate assistance from fellow officers and was eventually helped into a secure area within Parliament House, where he was provided with water and support until he felt more stable.
Formal Complaint Filed for Investigation
Afenyo-Markin has lodged an official complaint to the Inspector-General of Police, calling for a thorough investigation. He emphasized the presence of senior police officers who witnessed the event and could corroborate his account.
“While I’ve always respected the Ghana Police Service, this incident is embarrassing and undermines the professionalism expected of our law enforcement,” he stated.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions and concerns about the conduct of police during public demonstrations.
Conclusion
The fallout from the incident is still unfolding, with both public and political reactions likely to influence upcoming engagements between the government, Parliament, and law enforcement agencies.
Source: https://www.ghanaweb.com/
