Bright Ofori Ampofo, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro, has defended Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s actions during the #SaveTheJudiciary demonstration, stating that the lawmaker was forced to retaliate after being struck by a police officer.
A viral video from the protest showed Afenyo-Markin in a heated exchange with officers behind a barricade, prompting public debate over his conduct. However, Ampofo insists the lawmaker was provoked.
Speaking on Channel One’s Newsroom on Monday, May 5, Ampofo recounted the moment leading up to the confrontation: “Just when we were about to cross the barricade, this police officer charged, bowed, made a fist, and hit him [Afenyo-Markin] on the heart [chest],” he stated.
According to him, the blow was so forceful that Afenyo-Markin almost collapsed. “The honourable member almost passed out. We had to take him to the building at Parliament’s entrance to give him some water to drink. That delayed the presentation of the petition for about 30 minutes for him to relax a bit,” he explained.
He further revealed that the Minority Leader complained of dizziness and had to rest before continuing with the event.
“He was even angry with us because he said we didn’t provide him enough security,” Ampofo added.
Questioning the officer’s political allegiance, Ampofo suggested the attack may have been deliberate.
“I am sure he is an NDC police officer. Why would somebody hit a known face like honorable Afenyo-Markin on the grounds of Parliament, his own home?” he questioned.
Ampofo stressed that Afenyo-Markin’s reaction was an act of self-defense. “He was protecting himself. He was afraid the blow was going to come again, so he was trying to protect himself in the process, and we whisked him away,” he said.
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