Security Analyst Emmanuel Kotin is demanding the immediate arrest of Minority Leader Osahene Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin for allegedly assaulting a police officer during Monday’s “Save the Judiciary” demonstration.
The Effutu MP was reportedly caught on video in a heated altercation with police officers, during which he allegedly assaulted an officer and attempted to breach a barricade. The footage has since gone viral, sparking widespread public outrage and calls for swift action from the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking on Starr Today with Tutuwaa Danso, Mr. Kotin stressed that the law must be enforced equally, regardless of one’s political status.
“I commend the police for their professionalism. Considering the provocation particularly the alleged assault by the Minority Leader.it is commendable that the officer exercised restraint. No one, not even the President, has the right to assault a police officer performing their lawful duty,” he stated.
Mr. Kotin urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to act immediately and decisively.
“The IGP must ensure Afenyo-Markin is sanctioned. This will serve as a deterrent and reinforce the principle that no one is above the law. In this country, MPs are given security, yet some abuse that privilege by treating officers with disrespect,” he said.
Describing the Minority Leader’s conduct as “particularly troubling,” Kotin referenced the Criminal Code, insisting such actions are arrestable offenses.
“He should be arrested. He is not above the law. If we fail to set examples now, we risk descending into lawlessness. Laws are made in Parliament and for the Minority Leader to physically confront an officer is unacceptable,” Kotin stated
He concluded by warning that a failure by the IGP to take action would undermine the rule of law.
“We are striving to build strong institutions. This is not a matter of ‘if’ or ‘but.’ If the IGP does not act, then we are not enforcing our laws and any country that fails to enforce its laws is not worth dying for.”
The demonstration drawing thousands demanded the immediate reversal of the suspension of the Chief Justice, which they denounced as politically motivated. Protesters accused President John Dramani Mahama of leveraging the suspension to advance a controversial third-term agenda.
Source: Ghana/StarrFM 103.5FM/Benjamin Sackey
