Alexander Afenyo-Markin is the Minority Leader
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged for fairness and restraint in the case of the former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, following the dramatic scenes which occurred in Parliament after President Mahama’s State of the Nation Address.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, February 28, 2026 Afenyo-Markin said while accountability is necessary, Parliament must not abandon the principles of fairness and due process.
“I think we have not been very fair in dealing with Ken Ofori-Atta as politicians, as people. We say we want the rule of law and fair hearing, but we are quick to pronounce people guilty,” he stated.
He also disclosed that he was affected by the incident in the chamber.
Afenyo Markin noted that during the proceedings, he received a message from Ofori-Atta’s brother, Duke Ofori-Atta, who is also a Member of Parliament.
“When I was sitting there, his brother Duke texted me, ‘Leader, why are they doing this to my brother?’ I felt the pain,” he recounted.
Afenyo-Markin added that he is not shielding anyone from scrutiny but is concerned about what he described as the growing tendency to “crucify” individuals in the court of public opinion before investigations are concluded.
“I am not standing in the way of anybody asking for accountability. I don’t want anybody to get me wrong. I am talking about the way and manner we are going about things,” he explained.
He noted that political actors, particularly those in opposition, are often privy to sensitive information but must exercise restraint in how such matters are handled.
“You want to pronounce people guilty before trial. I was just signaling them to be fair,” he added.
SO/EB
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