In a disturbing incident that has sparked public concern, an alleged act of police brutality during the “Save the Judiciary” demonstration has triggered a formal complaint from Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling for an investigation and disciplinary action against a police officer he accused of assaulting him at the entrance of Parliament House during the demonstration.
According to Hon. Afenyo-Markin, the petition is not only a call for justice but also an effort to correct what he described as misleading narratives currently circulating in the public space regarding the incident.
“I hereby formally petition your office to investigate and take appropriate disciplinary action against Constable Forson, a tall, fair, and heavily built officer who was stationed at the entrance of Parliament House to provide security during… the ‘Save the Judiciary’ demonstration. Constable Forson assaulted me at the entrance of Parliament House during the demonstration.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
The protest, which unfolded peacefully through key state institutions, took an unsettling turn at the Parliament House, where the legislator alleged he was physically assaulted by a police officer, Constable Forson.
The demonstration was part of a multi-party effort aimed at drawing attention to pressing constitutional concerns, with stops at the Supreme Court, Parliament, and the Jubilee House.
The gathering had until that point been lauded for its peaceful nature and high turnout. However, events at Parliament have now taken center stage.
“As I approached the barricade, 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.
“The impact of the hit dazed me, and I was visibly shaken and short of breath. In that moment, I spontaneously protested his conduct, asking why he would seek to harm me.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
According to the Minority Leader, this moment of police brutality quickly drew concern from other security personnel on the ground.
He revealed that the Inspector, who was facilitating access, along with fellow officers, intervened and helped him into the restricted area.
“Mr. Richard Ahiagbah, Mr. Henry Nana Boakye, and the NPP Greater Accra Regional Organiser stayed by my side throughout, providing support and ensuring my well-being.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Afenyo-Markin noted that despite feeling physically shaken and unwell, he made a conscious effort to regain his composure and rejoin the leadership team to deliver the petition, determined not to let the incident disrupt the focus or momentum of the protest.
Assault Casts Shadow On Demonstration
Furthermore, Hon. Afenyo-Markin noted that following the submission of the petition, senior police officers and the Deputy Marshal of Parliament attempted to identify the officer responsible for the assault.
Mysteriously, Constable Forson could not be located. Afenyo-Markin suggested he may have been discreetly removed from the premises to prevent scrutiny.
“Had this act of aggression become widely known at that moment, it could have compromised the peaceful character of the entire demonstration.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
What makes the alleged assault even more egregious, according to the Minority Leader, is that Forson was warned by fellow officers to stand down but defiantly refused. “He didn’t care who I was, Leader or not.”
Afenyo-Markin maintained that the incident was deliberate, reckless, and targeted.
He dismissed attempts by political opponents to flip the narrative, asserting that he was merely protesting the unjustified use of force. “This unprovoked, disrespectful, and shameful attack is a stain on the professionalism of the Ghana Police Service.”
He contrasted the Parliament incident with the commendable conduct of police personnel at the Supreme Court and Jubilee House, where officers were courteous and even shared water with demonstrators—demonstrating the kind of discipline expected in democratic policing.
He emphasized that several senior officers witnessed the attack and can verify the details. “This incident is a disgrace to the standards and professionalism expected of those tasked with protecting citizens.”
However, the political aftermath has already begun to unfold. According to the Minority Leader, elements within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are attempting to use the incident to discredit the protest.
He argued that their goal is to distort public focus from the real constitutional grievances that prompted the demonstration.
Allegations of Police Brutality Put Law Enforcement On The Spot
The allegation of police brutality during a peaceful, high-stakes protest raises significant questions about law enforcement conduct and accountability in Ghana.
While the broader demonstration succeeded in drawing attention to judicial independence and state governance, this episode threatens to undermine that achievement unless addressed swiftly and transparently.
The outcome of the petition to the Inspector-General of Police will be closely watched—not just for justice in this individual case, but as a measure of institutional integrity in the face of alleged abuse of power.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has officially requested the release of Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin to assist with ongoing investigations.
“Following the review [of video footage], the Service has written to the Right Hon. Speaker of Parliament requesting the release of Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin to assist the ongoing investigation into the alleged incident.”
Ghana Police Service
According to the Police Service, the police officer involved is also expected to assist with the investigation.
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