Someone approached me with a pistol simply because I was campaigning, I was fortunate—Afenyo-Markin

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for urgent reforms in Ghana’s political landscape to put an end to cycles of injustice and political victimization. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on February 20, 2025, Afenyo-Markin expressed his frustration with the persistent unfair treatment and intimidation political leaders endure, especially during transitions of power.

“We need to take deliberate steps as a nation to address the way we practice politics in this country,” Afenyo-Markin stated. He highlighted the struggles faced by many political figures, emphasizing that while these challenges are often unspoken, they remain widely acknowledged. “Some of us may not always tell our stories, but we all know the struggles—the attacks, the unjust treatment, and the way we are sometimes manhandled,” he remarked.

Afenyo-Markin criticized the selective nature of justice in Ghanaian politics, arguing that those who benefit from injustice often remain silent until they find themselves at the receiving end. “For how long must we continue this in our country?” he questioned, stressing the need for a fair and consistent application of justice.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Afenyo-Markin recalled a violent incident during his 2012 election campaign in which he narrowly escaped an attack. “Someone approached me with a pistol simply because I was campaigning. I was fortunate that he couldn’t pull the trigger,” he recounted, underscoring the dangers political figures face in Ghana.

He also addressed concerns regarding the judiciary, advocating for impartiality in legal proceedings. Afenyo-Markin urged judges to prioritize fairness, particularly when handling cases pending in court. “I have been at the Bar long enough to know that when an application is pending before a court, it is customary for the judge to address interlocutory matters first before proceeding to the substantive case,” he explained, calling for a judicial system that maintains neutrality and fairness at all levels.

His remarks have reignited discussions about political justice and the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure fairness, security, and transparency within Ghana’s political and judicial systems.

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