Outrage erupted during a protest demanding the reinstatement of suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo as the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, lost his cool and physically assaulted a uniformed police officer.
The tension escalated quickly as Mr. Afenyo Markin unleashed his fury on the officer tasked with maintaining order at the Save the Judiciary demonstration. The violent altercation, caught on camera, showcased the lawmaker’s uncontrolled anger following a heated exchange with the law enforcement personnel.
The unexpected outburst highlighted the aggressive streak within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a party known for its intolerance and readiness to use aggression to assert dominance.
This is coming after recent violence act orchestrated by same Minority Leader during a seating of the appointment committee in parliament which led to the setting up of a committee of enquiry in parliament, with report yet to be acted upon.
Political observers saw the protest by the NPP not only as a call for justice but also as a strategic move by the party to reorganize its ranks amid internal strife threatening to fracture the opposition party.
In a bid to show solidarity with the suspended Chief Justice, the NPP Chairman, Mr. Stephen Ntim, redirected efforts from the Thank You tour to join the demonstration, a move criticized as futile by political analysts.
The unruly behavior displayed by Mr. Afenyo Markins marred the democratic process and cast a shadow over the Save the Judiciary protest, leaving party members and supporters disappointed and potentially setting the stage for more violence in future political engagements.
As the NPP-led coalition rallied behind the cause, seeking the intervention of President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider Chief Justice Torkornoo’s suspension, Mr. Afenyo Markins made a strong statement by presenting the petition to the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Jubilee House after the unfortunate incident with the police officer.
In his address to the assembled crowd, the combative lawmaker reaffirmed the coalition’s dedication to upholding judicial independence while cautioning judges against succumbing to threats of promotions in exchange for compliance.
“We stand unwaveringly with you in your fight for judicial independence,” declared Afenyo Markins, warning judges not to be swayed by promises of advancement, lest they face similar unjust treatment in the future.