NDC demands parliamentary probe into Afenyo-Markin’s attack on judge

The National Democratic Congress is calling on Parliament to initiate a formal inquiry into comments made by Minority Leader and Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin against a Circuit Court judge, describing his remarks as a threat to judicial independence.

The Minority Leader’s criticism followed a case involving the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Kwame Baffoe, who was remanded in custody over allegations of misinformation and offensive public statements.

At a press conference on Sunday, May 17, Mr Afenyo-Markin openly criticised the presiding judge over Abronye DC’s continued remand, asserting that he would continue to “disrespect” the judge until he “upholds the law.” He further questioned the judge’s competence and dared him to cite him for contempt.

The comments have sparked widespread debate about the propriety of a senior lawmaker publicly attacking a judge and the potential implications for respect for judicial processes.

Speaking to Citi News on Tuesday, May 19, a member of the NDC Legal and Communications Committee, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, warned that such remarks risk undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

He urged Parliament to address the matter, emphasising the responsibility of lawmakers to protect the integrity of state institutions.

“As parliamentarians, they have privileges, but they must also be responsible. If Parliament will take it up, it should. What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. It does not matter where you belong,” he said.