Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has strongly condemned what he describes as an unprovoked act of violence against him by a uniformed police officer during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration at Parliament House.
Afenyo-Markin was captured in a widely circulated video appearing visibly agitated while attempting to hit an officer behind a barricade during the demonstration on Monday, May 5.
In a statement issued on May 5, 2025, Afenyo-Markin recounted the incident, alleging that Constable Forson struck him forcefully on the chest near his heart as he approached the barricade to present a petition.
“The impact of the hit dazed me, and I was visibly shaken and short of breath,” he stated.
According to Afenyo-Markin, senior police officers and colleagues quickly intervened to assist him, providing water and helping him stabilize before he proceeded with the petition presentation.
He emphasised that his reaction was merely a protest against the officer’s conduct, rejecting claims that he was the aggressor.
“What makes this assault particularly egregious is that the officer was being openly reprimanded by his superiors and fellow officers at the time, yet he defiantly responded that he didn’t care who I was,” he said.
Following the incident, Afenyo-Markin announced his intention to formally petition the Inspector-General of Police for a full investigation into the officer’s actions. He expressed concern that the officer had mysteriously disappeared from the scene after the altercation, raising suspicions about efforts to shield him from scrutiny.
The Minority Leader also criticised attempts to twist the narrative, accusing elements within the opposition of using the incident to deflect attention from the demonstration’s core constitutional concerns.
“We must not be distracted from the purpose of the demonstration. We marched to defend the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary—principles that must be protected at all costs,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has invited Afenyo-Markin for investigations into the incident.
Source:Abigail Arthur
