Police Summon Afenyo-Markin Over Alleged Assault on Officer During 'Save the Judiciary' Protest

 

Protest against Chief justice suspension

Ghana Police Service has summoned Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to be questioned regarding reported violence against a police officer on the day of the 'Save the Judiciary' protest. The protest, which was meant to demonstrate concern over the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, escalated into violence when protesters clashed with the police in Accra.

The incident occurred as the protesters were attempting to deliver a petition to the Chief Justice, reports say. Afenyo-Markin, who was also part of the protest, has been alleged to have had a fight with one of the police men during the protest. The officer, it is said, got injured and this led the police to invite the MP for questioning.
The police stated the invitation was just part of their standard procedure to investigate any claims of impropriety. Afenyo-Markin would not comment on the invitation publicly.

The 'Save the Judiciary' demonstration was organized by opposition and civil society elements to protest the suspension of Chief Justice Torkornoo. The protesters believe the suspension of the chief justice erodes the independence of the judiciary and democratic governance in Ghana.
The event has raised controversy surrounding the balance between freedom of protest and public order maintenance. While some have accused the police of their conduct during the duration of the protest, others have demanded accountability for violence on the protest.

As probe goes on, the police and the MP have appealed for restraint and respect for law. The result of the investigation will influence future demonstrations as well as public officials' behavior during demonstrations.