The Ghana Law Society (GLS) has issued a strongly worded public statement condemning what it describes as persistent and troubling attacks on members of Ghana’s judiciary by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament.
In a release signed by its Director of Communications, Apanga Lamtiig Abugri, the Society expressed “grave concern” over remarks attributed to the senior lawmaker, warning that his statements risk eroding public confidence in the country’s justice system and undermining the authority of the courts.
Escalating Tensions Between Politics and the Judiciary
According to the GLS, Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s recent public commentary—including social media posts and prior remarks criticizing a sitting judge—has crossed the line from legitimate critique into what could be interpreted as intimidation. The Society pointed specifically to language it described as “hostile” and “suggestive of veiled threats,” cautioning that such rhetoric could weaken the independence of the judiciary.
The controversy comes amid heightened political discourse in Ghana, where tensions between political actors and state institutions have increasingly played out in public forums. Legal observers say the tone of engagement between politicians and the judiciary is becoming a growing concern for democratic governance.
“A Dangerous Precedent”
The GLS emphasized that in any functioning democracy, the judiciary must remain independent, impartial, and insulated from political pressure. Courts, it noted, are not extensions of political authority but neutral arbiters tasked with interpreting and applying the law.
“When a high-ranking political figure—particularly one trained in law—repeatedly directs inflammatory rhetoric at judges, it creates a dangerous precedent,” the statement said. “It risks signaling an attempt, whether intentional or not, to influence or delegitimize judicial authority.”
The Society warned that comments implying consequences for judicial decisions, including suggestions that judges “will be on their own,” could be perceived as attempts to intimidate members of the bench. Such statements, it added, threaten the security and confidence judges require to carry out their constitutional duties without fear or favor.
Professional and Ethical Concerns
As a lawyer, Mr. Afenyo-Markin is subject to the ethical and professional standards governed by the General Legal Council (GLC), which oversees legal practice in Ghana. The GLS stressed that these rules demand respect for the courts, integrity in public commentary, and a commitment to upholding the administration of justice.
The Society argued that his conduct raises serious questions about professional accountability, particularly given his dual role as both a legal practitioner and a senior political leader.
“Leadership in public office requires restraint, responsibility, and a deep respect for national institutions,” the statement noted. “The use of inflammatory language directed at the judiciary falls short of these expectations.”
Call for Retraction and Apology
The GLS has called on the Minority Leader to immediately retract his comments and issue an unreserved apology to members of the judiciary. It warned that failure to do so would compel the Society to initiate formal proceedings before the GLC.
Such action, the statement explained, would be aimed at enforcing professional standards within the legal fraternity and safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s justice system.
Protecting Democratic Institutions
The Society underscored that while judicial decisions are open to scrutiny, criticism must remain measured, reasoned, and respectful. Crossing into intimidation, it said, risks corroding public trust and weakening democratic foundations.
Ghana’s judiciary, long regarded as a cornerstone of constitutional governance, plays a critical role in protecting rights, resolving disputes, and maintaining checks and balances among the branches of government. Sustained political attacks, the GLS warned, could damage its credibility and independence.
“The judiciary is not an adversary to be confronted,” the statement concluded, “but a pillar of democracy that must be protected.”
The GLS reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and called on all public officials—especially members of the legal profession—to uphold the dignity and independence of the courts.
Writer: Godfred Sey/Ahotoronline.com