Alleged assault: ‘I was merely protesting police officer’s conduct’ – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has condemned a violent act against him. He claims it was unprovoked and committed by a police officer. This incident occurred during the "Save the Judiciary" demonstration at Parliament House.

A video shows Afenyo-Markin visibly upset while approaching a barricade. He attempted to hit an officer behind the barricade on May 5. In his statement, he alleged that Constable Forson struck him in the chest.

Afenyo-Markin said the blow dazed him and left him short of breath. Senior police officers and colleagues quickly came to his aid. They provided water and helped him stabilize before he presented his petition.

He stated that his reaction was a protest against the officer's actions. He rejected claims that he was the aggressor in this situation. Afenyo-Markin noted that the officer was being reprimanded by superiors at the time.

Despite this, he claimed the officer responded defiantly, saying he didn’t care who Afenyo-Markin was. Following this incident, Afenyo-Markin plans to petition the Inspector-General of Police for an investigation. He expressed concern about the officer disappearing after their altercation.

Afenyo-Markin criticized attempts to twist the narrative surrounding this event. He accused some opposition members of trying to distract from constitutional issues raised during the demonstration. “We must not be distracted from our purpose,” he asserted.

The demonstration aimed to defend constitutional principles and judicial independence, which are crucial to protect. Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has invited Afenyo-Markin for further investigations into this incident.