In a bold move to ensure due process and accountability, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has voluntarily waived his parliamentary immunity and reported to the Ghana Police Service to assist with investigations into an alleged altercation with a police officer during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration held on Monday, 5th May 2025.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police confirmed that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has commenced an inquiry into claims that Mr Afenyo-Markin physically assaulted a uniformed police officer stationed at the entrance to Parliament House on the day of the protest.
According to the Police Service, the investigation was initiated following a formal request by the CID to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. The Speaker, in turn, directed the Member of Parliament for Effutu to cooperate fully with the investigative process.
In compliance with the Speaker’s instruction, Mr Afenyo-Markin presented himself to the Police on Wednesday, 7th May, where he was questioned and offered his personal account of the events in question.
However, what began as an investigation into an alleged assault by the legislator has taken a new dimension. The Police Service revealed that a counter-complaint has been lodged by Mr Afenyo-Markin himself, in which he claims to have been the victim of an unprovoked assault perpetrated by the very officer he is accused of attacking.
In his formal statement to the Police, Mr Afenyo-Markin recounted that the incident occurred as he led a group of protestors to Parliament House to deliver a petition calling for enhanced judicial independence.
According to the Minority Leader, as the group approached the main gate of Parliament, he was unexpectedly struck by a police officer later identified as Constable Forson.
“I was hit forcefully on the left side of my chest. The blow left me momentarily dazed and gasping for breath,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated. He added that he received swift support from parliamentary security personnel and some demonstrators, who escorted him to a rest area nearby for medical attention. He was able to recover and continue with the petition presentation shortly thereafter.
The Police Service has assured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation into both complaints. “All parties involved will be given a fair hearing, and the outcome of the investigation will be communicated in due course,” the statement noted.
The “Save the Judiciary” demonstration, which saw participation from civil society groups, legal professionals, and opposition figures, was organised to draw attention to what the organisers described as threats to judicial independence and the rule of law in the country.
Mr Afenyo-Markin’s decision to submit himself to the Police without invoking parliamentary privilege has been commended in some quarters as a gesture of accountability and respect for the rule of law.
