The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahene Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly criticized what he describes as “media trials” of former government officials under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration. According to him, these public accusations, often made through press conferences, undermine the principles of justice and fair hearing.
Speaking during the debate on the 2025 Budget Estimates in Parliament on Tuesday, March 25, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the Minority’s commitment to accountability but condemned what he views as a politically motivated abuse of human rights.
“We in the Minority are not against accountability; we believe in accountability, but we are against the abuse of human rights,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin questioned the silence of human rights activists within the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of ignoring alleged violations of citizens’ rights by law enforcement agencies.
“Where are their human rights lawyers? Today, Ghanaian citizens are detained by investigative agencies beyond 48 hours. Ghanaian citizens have their rights being abused without being taken to court,” he charged.
His comments follow a series of high-profile cases where former government appointees have been accused of corruption and financial malfeasance in public statements before any legal proceedings. Among those named in these accusations are former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, whom the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, declared a fugitive of justice, and former CEO of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, who was recently accused of financial misconduct by Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine.
The Minority Leader also reacted to recent reports of a search conducted at the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, questioning the legitimacy of the operation.
“So-called legal searches end up as intimidation. Today, even if you criticize them, they threaten you. We’re tired of the hate, the hypocrisy, and the double standards,” he remarked.
Afenyo-Markin also responded to a warning from Attorney-General Dr. Ayine, who, during a press conference on March 24, threatened to release a recorded conversation as evidence against claims that the government orchestrated an unconstitutional raid on Dr. Addison’s home.
Dr. Ayine had stated, “If the Minority Leader continues to misrepresent what happened, we will make the recording available. The law must be respected, and no one should abuse parliamentary immunity to defame public officials.”
In a defiant response, Afenyo-Markin challenged the Attorney-General, saying, “Release the tape. If you want to release the tape, release the tape!”
He further urged the NDC government to “go to court and put forward their case,” instead of engaging in what he described as a smear campaign against political opponents through the media.
Afenyo-Markin concluded his remarks with a warning to the governing NDC, reminding them that their time in office is limited and urging them to uphold the rule of law while they remain in power.
“This is a country of rule of law. This is not the country we are proud of. To the NDC, go to court. Use the judiciary; use the rule of law,” he declared.
His comments add to the growing political tension in the country, as accusations and counter-accusations over corruption and due process continue to dominate national discourse.
