Ghana Law Society warns Afenyo-Markin to cease attacks on judiciary

The Ghana Law Society has demanded an immediate halt to what it describes as persistent attacks by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on the judiciary.

In a press release issued on April 20, 2026, and signed by its Director of Communications, Apanga Lamtiig Abugri Esq, the Society condemned the remarks and warned of possible disciplinary action if they continue.

The Society said it “unequivocally calls on Mr. Afenyo-Markin to immediately retract these unsavoury comments and render an unqualified apology to members of the judiciary.”

It cautioned that failure to comply would leave it with “no option but to initiate appropriate proceedings before the General Legal Council.”

The statement follows recent comments by Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who criticised a Circuit Court judge over the remand of a New Patriotic Party supporter, describing the decision as a “big shame” and accusing the judge of running an “agenda court.”

He also urged judges to “apply your legal brain” and avoid political influence.

Responding to these remarks, the Ghana Law Society warned that such statements “risk undermining public confidence in the administration of justice and eroding respect for the courts.”

It added that his comments, “by their tone and implication,” could be interpreted as attempts to intimidate judicial officers.

The Society further expressed concern that the Minority Leader’s rhetoric could weaken democratic institutions, stressing that “remarks that can reasonably be construed as veiled threats pose a significant risk to the integrity and independence of the justice system.”

It emphasised that while judicial decisions can be criticised, there is a clear boundary.

“There is a clear and important distinction between reasoned critique and language that can reasonably be interpreted as intimidation,” the statement noted.

Highlighting the responsibilities of legal practitioners, the Society said Mr. Afenyo-Markin, as a lawyer and senior public official, is bound by ethical standards requiring respect for the courts. It warned that “statements warning judges that they ‘will be on their own’ undermine the security and independence” required for their work.

The Ghana Law Society insisted that he “must cease these incessant attacks” and instead contribute to strengthening confidence in the judiciary, stressing that the courts “are not extensions of political power” but vital pillars of Ghana’s democracy.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had strongly urged Ghanaian judges to remain independent, resist political influence, and avoid partisan agendas, specifically advising them to apply legal principles rather than “common sense” to satisfy political interests.