Accra: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has openly defended his criticism of a Circuit Court judge presiding over a politically sensitive case involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC. Afenyo-Markin stated that his actions were within his constitutional rights and aimed at addressing a concerning pattern in the judge's conduct.
According to Ghana Web, Afenyo-Markin, in a social media post, emphasized that it was both ethical and within his rights to question the judge, whom he accused of disregarding the law and the rights of citizens. He highlighted a recurring pattern in the conduct of the Circuit Court 9 Judge in political cases, expressing that the Minority Caucus in Parliament would take appropriate constitutional measures in response.
The lawmaker's comments came amid criticism from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), which had condemned Afenyo-Markin's remarks as unethical and unprofessional. However, Afenyo-Markin maintained that his questioning of what he referred to as judicial excesses should not be seen as a personal attack on the judge.
Afenyo-Markin urged the Chief Justice to monitor the Circuit Court 9 judge, ensuring that he adhered to the ethos of his judicial role. The ongoing legal proceedings and detention of Abronye DC have sparked political debate and criticism from members of the opposition NPP.
The GBA, represented by spokesperson Saviour Kudze, asserted that Afenyo-Markin's public criticism of the judge did not meet the standards expected of a senior lawyer and political leader. Kudze emphasized that legal mechanisms, such as the appellate system, exist to challenge judicial decisions when deemed improper, and publicly attacking judges' competence was not acceptable.