Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin (M)
Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has clarified the circumstances surrounding a recent incident at Jubilee House during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration, involving him and a police officer.
In a viral video from the event, Afenyo-Markin was seen knocking a police officer. However, he has refuted claims that he acted aggressively without cause, asserting that the public narrative surrounding the incident is inaccurate.
According to him, the confrontation was provoked by the police officer, who struck him while he attempted to join his colleagues at Parliament House.
In an official statement detailing the events on May 5, 2025, he condemned the officer’s conduct, writing, “I write to strongly condemn the reprehensible and disgraceful act of violence perpetrated against me by a uniformed police officer, Constable Forson, at the entrance of Parliament House during today’s peaceful and highly successful ‘Save the Judiciary’ demonstration.
“As the leader of the demonstration, I led protesters, alongside the leadership of other political parties, to Parliament, one of the designated stops, to formally present our petition. Copies had earlier been delivered to the Supreme Court, and from Parliament, we were set to proceed to Jubilee House.
“Upon arrival, the National Organiser and other party leaders had already been granted access. The Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, and I were then invited by the party’s Communications Director, Mr. Richard Ahiagbah, to join them.
“As I approached the barricade, without any provocation, Constable Forson, a tall, fair, heavily built officer stationed behind the barricade, deliberately struck the left side of my chest with the full force of his right palm, directly near my heart.”
The Effutu MP further explained the physical impact of the officer’s strike, “The impact dazed me, and I was visibly shaken and short of breath. In that moment, I spontaneously protested his conduct, asking why he would seek to harm me.
“The Inspector facilitating my access, along with other officers, quickly intervened and assisted me into the restricted area, where I had to lean against the wall at the entrance of Parliament House to prevent myself from collapsing.
“A national service personnel member from Parliament, whom I know, approached and offered me water. Two CID officers from Parliament also checked on me and assisted me to a nearby security rest room, where I lay down on a bench to stabilize.”
He announced that he has filed an official complaint against the officer, “Accordingly, I am formally filing a petition to the Inspector-General of Police to demand a full investigation into the conduct of Constable Forson. Several senior police officers witnessed the appalling conduct firsthand and can corroborate the events.
“I have always respected and worked cordially with the Ghana Police Service and hold our law enforcement institutions in the highest regard.
“This incident is a disgrace to the standards and professionalism expected of those tasked with protecting citizens, and it must be treated with the contempt it deserves.”
RE: INCIDENT AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE FOLLOWING THE “SAVE THE JUDICIARY” DEMONSTRATION pic.twitter.com/0ecHNHAPJI
— Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin (@AfenyoMarkin) May 5, 2025
AM/KA
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