The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has raised serious concerns over the state of democracy, judicial independence, and freedom of expression in Ghana, following recent developments he described as “deeply troubling” for the Rule of Law.

Addressing Parliament, Afenyo-Markin condemned what he termed politically motivated arrests, citing the case of Abronye DC, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who was recently arrested and detained under circumstances the minority holds are politically influenced.

According to the minority leader, such actions threatened the principles of fairness and justice that underpin the country’s democracy.

“When law enforcement becomes a tool for silencing dissent or settling political scores, we endanger the very foundation of our democracy,” he stated.

The minority leader further questioned the independence of the judiciary, referencing a recent court ruling that, in his view, undermined fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.

He criticised the use of quotes from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe in justifying restrictions on free speech, describing it as “an affront to Ghana’s constitutional spirit and democratic values”.

“Our Constitution was not written to justify oppression or selective justice,” Afenyo-Markin emphasised.

“Freedom of expression must remain sacred in a true democracy.”

Turning to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaba Sackey Torkorno, the minority leader expressed grave concern over what he called a lack of transparency and violation of constitutional principles in the process.

He revealed that the Pwaman Committee, which investigated the matter, conducted its proceedings in secrecy and had yet to make its report public — a development the minority viewed as unconstitutional and damaging to public trust.

“The opaque manner in which the chief justice was removed sets a dangerous precedent,” he warned. “It undermines judicial independence and erodes confidence in the justice system.”

Afenyo-Markin ESQ and the minority, therefore, demanded full disclosure of the Pwaman Committee’s report and all documents related to the removal process.

They maintained that the decision to remove the chief justice without public scrutiny violated due process and weakened the separation of powers enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

“We insist on transparency and accountability,” the Effutu MP declared.

“The people of Ghana deserve to know the truth behind this troubling development.”

The minority leader concluded with a call to action, urging Parliament and all democratic institutions to defend the rule of law, protect judicial independence, and uphold the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

“This is not about party or power — it is about protecting the soul of our democracy,” he said with conviction.

The statement, which carried a tone of urgency and alarm, underscored the minority’s growing unease over what it saw as an erosion of democratic norms and the creeping politicisation of justice in Ghana.