Minority Leader Alleges Assault by Police During “Save the Judiciary” Protest

Accra, 5th May 2025 — A dramatic scene unfolded at the Parliament House on Monday during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration, as the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, alleged he was physically assaulted by a uniformed police officer at the entrance to the legislative complex.

According to a statement issued by Afenyo-Markin, the incident occurred as he approached the barricade at Parliament House. The MP claims that a police officer identified as Constable Forson struck him on the chest with an open palm, causing him to become visibly shaken and short of breath. The alleged assault took place in full view of senior police officers and members of the protest leadership.

“I was dazed and visibly shaken,” Afenyo-Markin said, recounting that he had to lean against a wall to prevent collapsing and was eventually assisted into a restricted area. He was later escorted to a rest area by CID officers and national service personnel.

The Minority Leader emphasized that the demonstration, which began peacefully and included stops at the Supreme Court and Jubilee House, was aimed at presenting a petition defending judicial independence. He expressed concern that the alleged assault could have disrupted the protest’s peaceful nature if it had escalated further.

In his statement, Afenyo-Markin suggested the officer knew his identity and deliberately targeted him. “It was a deliberate, reckless, and targeted attack by an officer who clearly knew my identity and chose to physically assault me in broad daylight,” he stated.

Efforts to locate Constable Forson after the incident were unsuccessful, with Afenyo-Markin alleging that the officer “mysteriously disappeared” from the scene. He questioned whether the officer was removed to avoid scrutiny.

Describing the event as an “embarrassing and dangerous departure” from the conduct of other officers stationed at earlier stops on the protest route, Afenyo-Markin commended officers at the Supreme Court and Jubilee House for their professionalism.

He also accused unnamed individuals and opposition elements of attempting to twist the narrative to portray him as the aggressor. “This incident is a disgrace to the standards and professionalism expected of those tasked with protecting citizens,” he said, calling for a full investigation by the Inspector-General of Police.

The statement concluded with a call to media outlets and the public to condemn what he described as an “unprovoked, disrespectful, and shameful attack,” and to remain focused on the original intent of the demonstration — the protection of constitutional integrity and judicial independence.