The Ghana Police Service has formally requested the Speaker of Parliament to release Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to assist with investigations into an alleged assault on a police officer during the recent “Save the Judiciary” demonstration in Accra.

This follows a thorough review of video footage capturing interactions between demonstrators and security personnel during the May 5 protest, which was organized in response to what the New Patriotic Party (NPP) described as the politically motivated suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

Although the march was generally peaceful, moments of friction emerged between participants and police officers. One such moment has now become the subject of an official inquiry.

According to a police statement, the officer allegedly assaulted during the protest will also support the ongoing investigation. However, the Service has not disclosed full details of the confrontation or the officer’s identity but stressed that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who was visibly upset in a video circulating from the event, is seen confronting an officer behind a barricade outside Parliament.

In a statement later that day, the Minority Leader claimed he was attacked unprovoked. “The impact of the hit dazed me, and I was visibly shaken and short of breath,” he recounted, adding that the blow landed close to his heart as he approached to present a petition.

He said parliamentary colleagues and senior officers came to his aid, provided water, and helped him regain composure before he could proceed with his duties.

Afenyo-Markin dismissed claims that he instigated the scuffle. He maintained that his reaction followed what he described as unacceptable behavior by the officer.

“What makes this assault particularly egregious is that the officer was being openly reprimanded by his superiors and fellow officers at the time, yet he defiantly responded that he didn’t care who I was,” he noted.

He further indicated plans to file an official complaint with the Inspector-General of Police, urging a full probe into the officer’s actions. Afenyo-Markin also claimed the officer disappeared from the scene shortly after the incident, fueling concerns about a possible attempt to suppress the issue.

He concluded by accusing political opponents of using the altercation to divert attention from the real purpose of the demonstration.