Accra: Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to launch a full investigation into an alleged unprovoked act of violence against him by a uniformed police officer. The incident reportedly took place during the ‘Save the Judiciary’ demonstration at Parliament House on Monday.
According to Ghana News Agency, Afenyo-Markin detailed the incident in a statement, stating that Constable Forson deliberately struck him forcefully on the chest near his heart as he approached the barricade to present a petition. The impact of the hit left him dazed, visibly shaken, and short of breath. The statement, issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency, emphasized that Afenyo-Markin’s reaction was merely a protest against the officer’s conduct, rejecting claims that he was the aggressor.
The statement also highlighted that the assault was particularly concerning as the officer was being openly reprimanded by his superiors and fellow officers at the time. Despite this, Forson allegedly responded defiantly, expressing indifference to Afenyo-Markin’s identity. The statement further noted the mysterious disappearance of the officer from the scene after the altercation, raising suspicions about potential efforts to shield him from scrutiny.
Following the incident, senior police officers and the Deputy Marshal of Parliament attempted to locate the officer involved, but he could not be found. The Minority Leader has called on the police administration to take disciplinary action against Constable Forson, stressing the importance of not being distracted from the demonstration’s purpose.
The ‘Save the Judiciary’ demonstration, held in Accra on Monday, May 5, 2025, was led by the NPP and other opposition parties. The protest aimed to defend the independence of Ghana’s judiciary and to advocate for the reinstatement of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who was suspended by President John Dramani Mahama on April 22, 2025, following the establishment of a prima facie case against her.
The demonstration sought to uphold constitutional processes and prevent what the coalition described as an alleged ‘unconstitutional assault’ on the judiciary. Thousands of Ghanaians, including some dressed as Supreme Court justices, participated in the protest, marching through John Evans Atta Mills High Street in Accra to present petitions to the Judicial Service and the presidency.
