Afenyo-Markin accuses government of using anti-corruption drive to target opponents

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the government of using anti-corruption prosecutions as a political tool, warning that the approach risks creating public perceptions of guilt before the courts have ruled

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, a day after President John Dramani Mahama delivered the 2026 State of the Nation Address, Afenyo-Markin said he supports accountability in principle but questioned how the government is pursuing high-profile cases.

“The way and manner it is done is what we are questioning. You show signs of selective justice,” he said.

According to the Minority Leader, the administration’s handling of corruption-related investigations gives the impression that prosecutions are being used to punish political opponents rather than uphold fairness under the law.

He was particularly critical of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee, which he had previously described as unconstitutional.

In January 2025, he publicly called on the Attorney-General to dismantle the body, arguing that it bypasses established institutions and weakens democratic accountability.

Afenyo-Markin also faulted what he described as the government’s early decision to involve the Office of the Special Prosecutor in cases that were already before the courts.

He said the better approach would have been to allow existing judicial processes to run their course.

“You allow the courts to do their work and pronounce independently, instead of creating parallel processes,” he argued.

The Minority Leader further raised concerns about bail conditions imposed on some suspects, describing them as excessive and designed to humiliate.

“I see that as one of the ways to frustrate, to punish, and to create a certain impression on the minds of the public that you’re already guilty,” he said.