The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on Parliament to probe comments made by Minority Leader and MP for Effutu Alexander Afenyo-Markin against a Circuit Court judge, describing the remarks as a threat to judicial independence.
The call follows criticism from the Minority Leader over the handling of a case involving the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, who has been remanded in custody over allegations of misinformation and offensive public statements.
At a press conference on Sunday, May 17, Mr. Afenyo-Markin had criticised the presiding judge over Abronye DC’s continued remand, and stated that he would continue to “disrespect” the judge until he “upholds the law.” He also questioned the judge’s competence and challenged him to cite him for contempt.
The remarks have since triggered public debate over the propriety of comments made by a senior lawmaker about judicial proceedings.
However, speaking to Citi News on Tuesday, May 19, a member of the NDC Legal and Communications Committee, Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, posited that the comments risk undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
He urged Parliament to take up the matter, stressing the need for lawmakers to act responsibly in order to protect the integrity of the judiciary.
“As parliamentarians, they have privileges, but they must also be responsible. If Parliament will take it up, it should. What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. It does not matter where you belong,” he stated.
