Calls are mounting for Parliament to investigate comments made by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin following his public criticism of a Circuit Court judge, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) warning that such remarks could erode confidence in the judiciary.
The controversy stems from statements made by the Effutu MP during a press briefing on May 17, where he took issue with the handling of a case involving Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) regional chairman has been remanded in custody over allegations relating to the publication of false information and offensive conduct.
In his remarks, Afenyo-Markin criticized the presiding judge’s decision to continue remanding Abronye, questioning the judge’s competence and indicating that he would persist in showing what he described as “disrespect” until the court “upholds the law.” He further challenged the judge to cite him for contempt.
The comments have since sparked widespread debate, with legal observers and political actors raising concerns about the boundaries of parliamentary privilege and the need to safeguard judicial independence.
Reacting to the development, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, a member of the NDC’s legal and communications team, called for Parliament to take up the matter. Speaking in an interview, he stressed that lawmakers must exercise restraint in their public pronouncements, particularly when commenting on ongoing judicial proceedings.
According to him, while Members of Parliament enjoy certain protections, those privileges should not be used in ways that undermine key democratic institutions.
He argued that failure to address such conduct could weaken public trust in the judiciary, adding that accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation.
The incident has intensified discussions around the relationship between the legislature and the judiciary, with many observers urging a measured approach to ensure respect for the rule of law and the independence of the courts.
