Accra: The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has expressed strong disapproval of recent public statements made by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, labeling them as inappropriate and detrimental to the independence of the judiciary.
According to Ghana Web, GBA Public Relations Officer Saviour Kudze, in an interview on Joy FM's Top Story on Monday, May 18, 2026, emphasized that the association would not tolerate any conduct by lawyers that undermines judges or the judiciary's integrity. Kudze stated, "We will never condone such conduct. Over the years, we have consistently cautioned and condemned similar behaviour by lawyers."
Kudze further criticized Afenyo-Markin, noting, "I will not mince words in saying that what the Minority Leader, a senior lawyer at the Bar, has done is condemnable at every level. A senior lawyer who also holds a public position ought to have done better." These remarks were in response to alleged attacks on a Circuit Court judge by the Minority Leader regarding the remand of the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, known as Abronye DC.
At a press conference on Sunday, May 17, 2026, Afenyo-Markin voiced concerns over Abronye DC's continued remand, suggesting that it posed constitutional issues. He criticized parts of the legal process as being inconsistent with constitutional protections on bail and freedom of expression. Afenyo-Markin went on to attack the presiding judge, stating, "That Circuit Court 9 judge, I have no respect for him. I pray he summons me for contempt. I will continue to disrespect him until he upholds the law. It's a shame on the judiciary. He doesn't talk law."
Mr. Kudze highlighted that while judges can be subject to criticism, it is imperative for lawyers to utilize appropriate legal channels, such as appeals, rather than resorting to public statements that could be perceived as disrespectful to the bench. "If you are dissatisfied, you appeal. You don't go on air to attack the judge," he asserted.
He also referenced previous incidents, including comments involving lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu in 2022, demonstrating the GBA's consistent stance against such conduct.
Meanwhile, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, had earlier criticized the GBA, accusing it of selective silence regarding the issue. He claimed that the GBA refrained from condemning the Minority Leader's comments due to its perceived alignment with the New Patriotic Party.