'Retract unsavoury comments about the judiciary' - GLS to Minority Leader

The Ghana Law Society (GLS) has accused the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, of launching repeated attacks on the judiciary and undermining public confidence in the courts.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 20, 2026, the Society expressed concern over what it described as a worrying pattern of comments attributed to the Minority Leader, which it says are eroding trust in the justice system.

“The Ghana Law Society (GLS) notes with grave concern comments attributed to Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Leader of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, launching repeated attacks on members of the judiciary. These statements, by their tone and implication, risk undermining public confidence in the administration of justice and eroding respect for the courts,” it stated.

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The legal body has therefore called for an immediate retraction and apology.

“GLS unequivocally calls on Afenyo-Markin to immediately retract these unsavoury comments and render an unqualified apology to members of the judiciary,” it said.

It further warned that failure to comply would lead to the initiation of “appropriate proceedings before the General Legal Council.”

The Society also stressed that remarks perceived as hostile toward judges could have serious implications for judicial independence and democracy.

“At the heart of every functioning democracy lies a judiciary that is independent, impartial, and free from intimidation,” it stated.

It referenced earlier comments and social media posts attributed to the Minority Leader, including what it described as language that crossed acceptable boundaries of public criticism.

“There is a clear and important distinction between reasoned critique and language that can reasonably be interpreted as intimidation,” the statement noted.

The GLS specifically raised concern over comments suggesting possible future consequences for judges, describing such rhetoric as inappropriate.

“Statements warning judges that they ‘will be on their own’ undermine the security and independence that judicial officers require,” it said.

The Society reiterated that while judicial decisions may be subject to public scrutiny, criticism must remain constructive and respectful of institutional independence.

“Judicial decisions are open to scrutiny and debate; however, when criticism crosses into intimidation, it becomes corrosive rather than constructive,” it added.

It further reminded legal professionals and political leaders of their responsibility to uphold respect for the rule of law.

“Leaders are expected to model restraint, responsibility, and respect for the rule of law, even in moments of political tension,” it stated.

JKB/MA

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