'He knew who I was and hit me anyway' – Afenyo-Markin demands justice after alleged police assault

Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has accused a police officer of assault. This incident occurred at the entrance of Parliament House during Monday’s “Save the Judiciary” protest.

The Effutu MP called the act “reprehensible and disgraceful.” He led the demonstration alongside other opposition leaders.

Afenyo-Markin recounted how Constable Forson struck him on the left side of his chest. This happened as he tried to enter Parliament to present a petition.

“Without any provocation, a uniformed police officer stationed behind the barricade—Constable Forson—deliberately hit me,” he stated. The impact dazed him, leaving him visibly shaken and short of breath.

The incident nearly incapacitated him as he joined other party officials inside. “I had to lean against the wall at Parliament's entrance,” he said. A national service personnel brought him water, while two CID officers helped him to a restroom.

Despite feeling unwell, Afenyo-Markin insisted on continuing with his mission. “Though still unwell, I made an effort to compose myself,” he explained. He was determined not to let this incident derail their peaceful protest.

Afterwards, attempts by Parliament’s Deputy Marshal and senior police officers to find Constable Forson failed. “He mysteriously disappeared from the scene,” Afenyo-Markin noted. It is suspected that he was removed to avoid scrutiny.

The officer's actions were aggressive and defiant, even after reprimands from superiors. “He said he didn’t care who I was—Leader or not,” Afenyo-Markin reported.

The lawmaker expressed outrage over suggestions that he provoked the incident. “It is unfortunate that some twist the narrative and suggest I was aggressive,” he said.

While praising officers at the Supreme Court and Jubilee House for their professionalism, Afenyo-Markin criticized conduct at Parliament as "embarrassing."

He has filed a formal petition with the Inspector-General of Police for a full investigation. “Numerous senior police officers witnessed this appalling conduct,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin accused political actors within the governing NDC of distorting the incident. “Elements within NDC’s propaganda machinery are weaponizing this event,” he claimed.

He concluded with a call to the public and media: “We must not be distracted. We marched to defend our Constitution and judiciary independence.”