The Police Officer Hit Me in the Chest Close to My Heart and I Couldn’t Breathe – Afenyo-Markin Responds to Alleged Officer Assault

‎Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has denied claims of assaulting a police officer during the “Save the Judiciary” protest, stating that his actions were a response to what he described as an unprovoked physical attack by the officer.
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‎The lawmaker was seen in a widely circulated video appearing visibly agitated while attempting to strike an officer behind a barricade at Parliament House during Monday’s demonstration.
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‎In a statement released on May 5, Afenyo-Markin alleged that the officer, identified as Constable Forson, forcefully hit him on the chest near his heart as he approached the barricade to present a petition. He described the impact as severe, leaving him dazed and breathless.
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‎He noted that senior officers and parliamentary colleagues came to his aid, offering him water and support before he proceeded to deliver the petition.
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‎“The officer’s conduct was unacceptable, and my reaction was not an assault but a protest against this unwarranted aggression,” Afenyo-Markin clarified. He added that the officer openly defied reprimands from his superiors and showed disregard for the identity of the MP.
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‎The Minority Leader has since announced plans to petition the Inspector-General of Police for a full investigation, claiming that the officer disappeared from the scene shortly after the incident, raising concerns of a possible cover-up.
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‎Afenyo-Markin also condemned attempts by some political actors to distort the narrative and divert attention from the true objective of the demonstration—defending the Constitution and judicial independence.
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‎Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has invited Afenyo-Markin to assist in investigations surrounding the incident.
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