Afenyo-Markin's Outburst at the Judiciary: An assault on judicial sanctity that must not stand

In a democracy built on the sacred principle of the separation of powers, the judiciary stands as the bedrock of justice, the final arbiter in disputes, and the guardian of the constitution. It is an institution that demands, and deserves, respect from all citizens, especially those who hold high public office.

It is therefore with profound dismay that the nation witnessed the recent remarks by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, following the court’s ruling on the flawed Kpandai parliamentary election.

His public outburst, laced with what can only be described as unprintable and intemperate language, crosses a dangerous line. To declare that he and his party are "not afraid of the judiciary" and to label a lawful ruling as "flawed" in such a contemptuous manner smacks of profound irresponsibility and shows total disrespect for a coequal branch of government.

Such rhetoric from the leader of a significant parliamentary bloc is not merely political posturing; it is an attack on the very fabric of our democratic governance. The judiciary’s authority does not rest on its ability to inspire fear, but on the public’s confidence in its impartiality and integrity.

When a high-ranking official like the Minority Leader openly scorns this authority, he does not just disagree with a verdict—he actively undermines the institution itself. He sends a message to the public that it is acceptable to disrespect the courts when their decisions are unfavourable, a precedent that is as dangerous as it is destabilising.

In a functioning democracy, the recourse for any party aggrieved by a court decision is clearly laid out: appeal. The courts themselves are a hierarchy for a reason, providing mechanisms for review and correction. To bypass this established process and resort to public vilification is to choose theatrics over procedure, intimidation over jurisprudence. It is a tactic that weakens the rule of law and substitutes it with the rule of the loudest voice.

The words of a Minority Leader carry immense weight. They are not the casual musings of a social media commentator but the considered statements of a figure central to our national legislature and the primary voice of the opposition. With this platform comes a commensurate responsibility—to uphold the institutions of state, even when they deliver a bitter pill. Afenyo-Markin has abdicated this responsibility.

His comments cannot and should not be taken kindly. They represent a troubling disregard for the decorum and mutual respect that must exist between the different arms of government for the state to function effectively. To allow such an affront to pass without consequence would be to normalise a culture of impunity that could erode judicial independence in the long term.

Therefore, a simple, public, and unequivocal apology is not just a political necessity for Mr Afenyo-Markin; it is a democratic imperative. He must retract his incendiary words and reaffirm his faith in the judicial system he has sworn to serve alongside. This is not about humbling an individual; it is about upholding an institution.

The state of Ghana is far greater than any single political leader, any party, or any one election cycle. Our democracy has been painstakingly built over decades, with the separation of powers as its cornerstone. We must not allow it to be chipped away by the reckless words of a disgruntled politician. The integrity of our institutions and the future of our democratic norms demand nothing less than a full retraction and apology. The nation is watching!