The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has criticised the Ghana Bar Association, accusing the legal body of partisanship following its silence on recent remarks directed at a judge by the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.
In a strongly worded Facebook post on Monday, May 18, Kwakye Ofosu questioned the neutrality of the association, suggesting that its response would have been swift if the controversial comments had come from a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He argued that the association’s inaction reinforces a perception that it is aligned with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to him, past incidents show the GBA has been quick to react to less severe comments from individuals outside the NPP, but has remained silent in this instance because the person involved is associated with the governing party.
The criticism follows remarks made by Afenyo-Markin during a press briefing on May 17, where he openly attacked a circuit court judge handling a case involving NPP Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.
The Minority Leader expressed frustration over the judge’s decision to remand the accused into custody and questioned the judge’s competence and impartiality. He went as far as declaring that he had no respect for the judge and would continue to disregard him unless he acted differently.
Afenyo-Markin also appealed to the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, to intervene, warning that failure to address the matter could affect the legacy of the judiciary.
The developments have intensified debate around judicial independence and political influence, with Kwakye Ofosu’s comments adding to growing concerns over perceived bias within key national institutions.
