Ghana Law Society demands apology from Afenyo-Markin over judiciary attacks

The Ghana Law Society has demanded an apology from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over comments it says undermine the judiciary’s independence.

The statement, issued on Monday, April 20, 2026, and signed by Director of Communications Apanga Lamtiig Abugri Esq, condemned what it described as persistent attacks on judges and warned of further action if the comments are not withdrawn.

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

According to the Ghana Law Society, the Minority Leader’s remarks “risk undermining public confidence in the administration of justice and eroding respect for the courts.”

It stressed that comments “by their tone and implication” could be seen as attempts to intimidate members of the bench.

The statement further warned that such rhetoric poses “a significant risk to the integrity and independence of the justice system,” particularly when coming from a senior political figure and legal practitioner.

Background to the controversy stems from recent comments by Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who urged judges to remain independent, resist political influence, and avoid partisan considerations in their decisions.

He advised members of the judiciary to rely on legal principles rather than “common sense” that may align with political interests.

His remarks followed sharp criticism of a Circuit Court judge who remanded a New Patriotic Party supporter. Mr. Afenyo-Markin described the decision as a “big shame” and accused the judge of presiding over an “agenda court.”

He also cautioned judges to remain neutral and not be influenced by potential future political appointments, particularly under a possible National Democratic Congress administration.

Last week, he urged judges to “apply your legal brain” and steer clear of politics.

Responding to these developments, the Ghana Law Society emphasised that while judicial decisions may be scrutinised, “there is a clear and important distinction between reasoned critique and language that can reasonably be interpreted as intimidation.”

It urged the Minority Leader to exercise restraint and uphold the ethical standards expected of his profession, stressing that the judiciary remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s constitutional democracy.