Netizens demand arrest of Afenyo-Markin over assault on police officer during CJ demonstration

Users of the X platform are berating the Minority Leader in Parliament and legislator for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin for striking a police officer during interactions between demonstrators and security personnel at the May 5 protest, which was organized in response to what the New Patriotic Party (NPP) described as the politically motivated suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Although the march was generally peaceful, moments of friction emerged between participants and police officers. One such moment has now become the subject of an official inquiry.

Minority leader of parliament Afenyo-Markin hits police officer, calls him gyimifoɔ…

pic.twitter.com/O3H2woGPie — Dr Sneaker Nyame (@_sneakernyame) May 5, 2025

The Minority Leader claimed he was attacked unprovoked. “The impact of the hit dazed me, and I was visibly shaken and short of breath,” he recounted, adding that the blow landed close to his heart as he approached to present a petition. He said parliamentary colleagues and senior officers came to his aid, provided water, and helped him regain composure before he could proceed with his duties. Afenyo-Markin dismissed claims that he instigated the scuffle. He maintained that his reaction followed what he described as unacceptable behavior by the officer. “What makes this assault particularly egregious is that the officer was being openly reprimanded by his superiors and fellow officers at the time, yet he defiantly responded that he didn’t care who I was,” he noted. The Ghana Police Service has formally requested the Speaker of Parliament to release Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to assist with investigations into the alleged assault on a police officer.   According to a police statement, the officer allegedly assaulted during the protest will also support the ongoing investigation. However, the Service has not disclosed full details of the confrontation or the officer’s identity but stressed that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness.

Mr Afenyo-Markin has indicated plans to file an official complaint with the Inspector-General of Police, urging a full probe into the officer’s actions. Amidst the pending probe, some Ghanaians have called for the arrest of the lawmaker, insisting that he must not go unpunished to ensure equity of the law.

No person is above the law right? Hon. Afenyo Markin must face arrest and legal consequences for his egregious assault on a police officer. Such behavior, which flagrantly disregards the rule of law, necessitates swift judicial action. @GhPoliceService pic.twitter.com/NjNwartaHU

— Seidu Abdul Basit (@abdul_basit008) May 5, 2025