By Daniel Bampoe
A clash between a police officer and the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, during Monday’s “Save the Judiciary” protest has triggered a political and legal storm, with competing narratives emerging over what exactly transpired at the entrance of Parliament House.
In a formal petition dated May 5 and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Afenyo-Markin called for an immediate investigation and disciplinary action against a police officer identified as Constable Forson.
According to the petition, the officer “assaulted me at the entrance of Parliament House during the demonstration,” describing Forson as a “tall, fair, and heavily built” officer who had been deployed for security duties that day.
The protest, organized by opposition parties and civil society groups, was aimed at defending the independence of Ghana’s judiciary amidst what organizers termed “executive overreach.”
The demonstration began peacefully at the Supreme Court arena, where a petition was submitted, and proceeded toward Jubilee House with a stop at Parliament House.
Afenyo-Markin, in a separate public statement attached to the petition, detailed the alleged assault.
He said Constable Forson struck him in the chest “with considerable force without provocation,” leaving him briefly breathless and unsteady.
The blow reportedly occurred while he was attempting to join other parliamentary leaders inside the premises.
“He [Constable Forson] defiantly responded that he didn’t care who I was—Leader or not—and that he would carry out his work regardless,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
The Minority Leader said he was assisted by national service personnel and police detectives to a nearby rest area before regaining composure to complete the demonstration’s final phase.
Despite commending officers at the Supreme Court and Jubilee House for their professionalism, Afenyo-Markin described the conduct at Parliament as “a stain on the Ghana Police Service.”
He added, “There were numerous senior police officers who witnessed the appalling conduct of the Constable firsthand and can corroborate the events.”
However, in a twist that has further intensified public debate, the Ghana Police Service issued its own statement, suggesting that emerging video footage may contradict Afenyo-Markin’s account.
According to the police, preliminary reviews appear to show the Minority Leader as the aggressor in a confrontation with an officer, leading the Service to officially request the Speaker of Parliament to release him for questioning.
Both Afenyo-Markin and Constable Forson are expected to participate in the ongoing probe.
The police insist that an objective review of all available evidence will determine the appropriate course of action.
The incident has polarized public opinion, with political opponents trading accusations.
Afenyo-Markin has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of “twisting the narrative” to discredit the protest’s impact.
“We must not be distracted from the purpose of the demonstration,” he said, urging the media and public to remain focused on the constitutional issues raised.
