By Rebecca Ampah
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly condemned what he describes as a “deliberate and disgraceful act of violence” perpetrated against him by a police officer during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration held on Monday, May 5, 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, Afenyo-Markin recounted the incident at the entrance of Parliament House, where he alleges that a uniformed police officer, identified as Constable Forson, struck him with “the full force of his right palm” on the left side of his chest , close to his heart without any provocation.
“As the leader of the demonstration, I was guiding protesters, along with other political party leaders, to present our petition to Parliament,” Afenyo-Markin stated. “While attempting to join other party officials who had already been granted access, I was attacked unprovoked by Constable Forson, who knew exactly who I was.”
According to the MP, the blow left him dazed, breathless, and visibly shaken. He said officers nearby quickly intervened, and he was assisted into a secure area where he received first aid from parliamentary staff and two CID officers. After resting briefly in a security room, he composed himself and rejoined the group to deliver the petition.
“The professionalism exhibited by officers at the Supreme Court and Jubilee House was commendable,” Afenyo-Markin said. “But what happened at Parliament was an unacceptable deviation , an attack that undermines public confidence in our law enforcement.”
The minority leader mentioned that, eyewitness accounts from senior officers and party officials reportedly confirmed the incident. Afenyo-Markin also claims the constable was reprimanded on the spot by his superiors but showed defiance, allegedly declaring, “I don’t care who he is, leader or not.”
Following the altercation, attempts to locate Constable Forson reportedly failed. Afenyo-Markin suspects he may have been removed from the scene to avoid scrutiny.
The lawmaker has since filed a formal complaint with the Inspector-General of Police, calling for an urgent investigation into the officer’s conduct. “This shameful incident must be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
He also criticised attempts by unnamed individuals to “twist the narrative” and frame him as the aggressor, calling such claims a distraction from the central message of the demonstration, the defense of Ghana’s Constitution and judicial independence.
“We must not be destructed from the purpose of the demonstration. we marched peacefully to uphold democratic values. No officer should be allowed to tarnish that,” Afenyo-Markin emphasized.
The Ghana Police Service has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
Below is the full press statement :
