Minority Leader Petitions IGP, Calls for Sanctions Against Constable Forson

• Alexander Afenyo-Markin wants the police officer he hit at the Save the Judiciary demonstration to be punished
• In a petition to the IGP, Christian Yohunu, the MP accused the officer of assault and called for sanctions against him
• Netizens who saw the petition from the parliamentarian expressed mixed reactions in the comments section
• In an exclusive interview with Yen.com.gh, a security analyst spoke on the matter and condemned the MP's action

Alexander Afenyo-Markin has petitioned the IGP, Christian Yohuno, after a physical confrontation with a police officer at the Save the Judiciary demonstration.

During the protest, which occurred in Accra on Monday, May 5, 2025, the Minority Leader in Parliament was captured in a viral video hitting the officer.

His action triggered heavy backlash from the public, with many calling him out for the attack on a police officer.

However, in a statement released on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the MP dismissed the claims that he had abused a policeman.

Instead, he claimed that he was the victim of an assault perpetrated by the policeman he identified as Constable Forson.

"As I approached a barricade during the protest, without any provocation, a uniformed police officer stationed behind the barricade - Constable Forson, a tall, fair, heavily built officer - deliberately struck the left side of my chest with the full force of his right palm, directly near my heart," he said.

The MP claimed that the impact of the hit dazed him, and he was visibly shaken and short of breath in that moment.

"I spontaneously protested his conduct, asking why he would seek to harm me. The Inspector, who was facilitating my access, along with other officers, quickly intervened and assisted me into the restricted area, where I had to lean against the wall at the entrance of Parliament House to prevent myself from collapsing," he explained.

Afenyo-Markin continued:

"A national service personnel from Parliament, whom I know, approached and offered me water. Two CID officers from Parliament also came to check on me and assisted me to a nearby security rest room, where I lay down on a bench to stabilise," he added.

In a petition to the IGP, the legislator reported the matter, called for an investigation, and sanctions to be meted out to the officer.

"To address this incident and correct misleading narratives circulating in the public domain, I have issued a public statement, detailing the events as they occurred," he added.

Afenyo-Markin's statement is included below:

Use the right channel to address issues

Speaking exclusively to Yen.com.gh, a security analyst, Mohammed Tagna, gave insights into the matter.

"If indeed the officer initiated the assault, that must be investigated and addressed through appropriate legal channels. However, taking the law into one's own hands, particularly in such a volatile context as a protest, undermines public trust in democratic institutions and weakens the perception of impartial policing."

"This incident underscores the urgent need for the Ghana Police Service to reinforce professional conduct among its personnel, while also ensuring that citizens, including politicians, are held accountable for attacks on law enforcement officers."

Netizens blast Afenyo-Markin over petition

Netizens who saw the MP's petition were outraged. Many called him out in the comments section, criticising him and accusing him of playing the victim.

@1TalkIsCheap wrote:

"This guy is just shameless, after abusing an officer he wants to turn around to play victim, you slapped a police officer on live TV and yet you want to spin! What we saw is you assaulting a police officer and not the other way round! Show us your evidence, Afenyo is just fake!!!"

@Robson4u2011 wrote:

"So unfair."

Gertrude Torkornoo suspended by Pres Mahama

Earlier, Yen.com.gh reported that Gertrude Torkornoo was suspended by President John Mahama following petitions with complaints against her.

After the Chief Justice responded to the petitions, the Presidency determined that there was a substantial case against her, and she stepped aside.

A five-member committee was set up to investigate the allegations, with Torkornoo's suspension sparking protests from mostly members of the NPP.

Source: YEN.com.gh