Alexander Afenyo-Markin Condemns Display of Ken Ofori-Atta’s Photo in Parliament, Urges Fairness and Due Process

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the decision by Majority Members of Parliament to display photographs of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the chamber, describing the act as unfair and inconsistent with the principles of due process.

The incident occurred on Friday shortly after President John Mahama delivered his State of the Nation Address in Parliament. In the aftermath of the address, some MPs on the Majority side were seen holding up images of Mr. Ofori-Atta while chanting and singing phrases suggesting that the former minister had fled the country. The demonstration was widely interpreted as a reaction to his absence from Ghana amid increasing public pressure for him to return and respond to concerns surrounding his tenure at the Finance Ministry.

Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews on Saturday, February 28, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed disappointment over the development, arguing that while public officials must be held accountable, Parliament must remain guided by fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rule of law.

“I think we have not been very fair in dealing with Ken Ofori-Atta as politicians, as people. We say we want the rule of law and fair hearing, but we are quick to pronounce people guilty,” he stated.

According to the Minority Leader, the dramatic display risked undermining the dignity of Parliament and could contribute to a growing culture of public condemnation before formal investigations are concluded. He emphasised that accountability processes should be allowed to proceed without prejudgment or theatrics that may compromise perceptions of justice.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin revealed that the episode was personally distressing. He recounted receiving a message during the proceedings from Mr. Ofori-Atta’s brother, Duke Ofori-Atta, who also serves as a Member of Parliament.

“When I was sitting there, his brother Duke texted me, ‘Leader, why are they doing this to my brother?’ I felt the pain,” he said, underscoring the human dimension of political disputes.

He clarified that his comments should not be misconstrued as an attempt to shield any individual from scrutiny. Instead, he stressed that his concern lies with ensuring that processes are conducted properly and without prejudice.

“I am not standing in the way of anybody asking for accountability. I don’t want anybody to get me wrong. I am talking about the way and manner we are going about things,” he explained.

The Minority Leader further noted that political actors, particularly those in leadership positions, often have access to sensitive information. As such, he argued, they carry a responsibility to act with restraint and avoid actions that may appear to pledged matters still under review.

“You want to pronounce people guilty before trial. I was just signaling them to be fair,” he added.

The episode has since sparked broader debate about the balance between political accountability and adherence to due process, as well as the tone of parliamentary engagement in highly charged political moments. While calls for transparency and investigation into the former minister’s tenure continue, Mr. Afenyo-Markin maintains that such efforts must be pursued within the framework of fairness, constitutional order, and respect for individual rights.