By Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin Warns of Judiciary Under Siege at Public Event in Ghana
Accra, Ghana – May 1, 2025 – In a fiery address at a public event today, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Ghana’s Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, issued a stark warning to the country’s judiciary, declaring that their institution is “under attack.” The statement, delivered from a podium adorned with a red backdrop and the GHOne TV logo, comes amid escalating political tensions surrounding the judiciary’s independence in Ghana.
Afenyo-Markin, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), did not mince words as he addressed the crowd. “I want all judges to know that their institution is under attack,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of urgency. While he did not specify the nature of the threat, his comments appear to be linked to recent controversies involving the judiciary, including moves that some political factions claim are aimed at undermining its autonomy.
The event, captured in a widely shared image by GHOne TV, showed Afenyo-Markin standing alongside other figures, with a large crowd gathered under a canopy. The atmosphere was charged, reflecting the growing unease in Ghana’s political landscape. Afenyo-Markin’s statement quickly sparked reactions online, with some netizens expressing skepticism and others outright criticism. One user, @StateMan75, called the remarks “nonsense,” questioning whether the NPP was now speaking for the judiciary, while another, @evils_only, accused NPP members of hypocrisy for addressing judicial issues only after recent government amendments.
Afenyo-Markin, a seasoned politician and lawyer, has long been a polarizing figure in Ghanaian politics. A managing partner at Afenyo-Markin, Okutu and Associates, he has served on key parliamentary committees, including Defence, Interior, and Finance. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. In 2017, he faced allegations of financial improprieties during his time as chairman of Ghana Water Company Ltd, which led to a defamation lawsuit he filed in response.
The timing of Afenyo-Markin’s warning is significant. Just days ago, a coalition of political parties, including the NPP, announced plans for a peaceful demonstration on May 5, 2025, to protest what they describe as a politically motivated attack on the judiciary. The coalition’s grievances center on recent actions perceived as attempts to remove Ghana’s Chief Justice, a move that has deepened the divide between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and opposition parties.
Public sentiment on Afenyo-Markin’s statement remains divided. Some view his comments as a necessary call to protect judicial independence, while others see them as a strategic move by the NPP to rally support ahead of the planned protest. As Ghana navigates this turbulent period, the spotlight remains on Afenyo-Markin and his party’s next steps in their fight to safeguard the judiciary—or, as their critics argue, to advance their political agenda.
For now, the Minority Leader’s words have set the stage for a contentious few days in Ghana’s political arena, with the nation watching closely to see how this unfolding drama will impact the delicate balance of power between the government and its institutions.
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