Apply Your Legal Brain, Stay Out of Politics — Afenyo-Markin Fires at Judges

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged judges to resist external pressures and remain committed to their independence and judicial oath in the discharge of their duties. In a Facebook post on Friday, April 17, he cautioned that decisions taken by members of the bench would not only face public scrutiny but also be judged by posterity. “Know that if you follow unseen instructions or act on ‘yes sir massa’ orders, you will be on your own. Your decisions shall become part of the public record, and posterity will judge you accordingly,” he stated. He further encouraged judges to depend on their legal training, integrity, and sound judgment when handling cases. “Please apply your legal brain, common sense, and abide by your judicial oath. Your Court is a Court of Justice! Article 296 must guide you,” he added. Afenyo-Markin also advised the judiciary to steer clear of political influence, stressing the need for neutrality within the justice system. Referencing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), he suggested that the current political landscape could change in the coming years. “The NDC government is on its way out of power. The tables will turn in 2028. For your own peace, stay away from politics. Let politicians do their politics and simply observe,” he said. His comments come days after he criticised the handling of a case involving New Patriotic Party communicator Abubakar Yakubu, also known as Baba Amando, who was remanded for two weeks by an Accra Circuit Court. Afenyo-Markin questioned the decision by the presiding judge, describing it as improper, while commending the Ghana Police Service for what he called a professional approach to the arrest and investigation. The remarks add to the ongoing public debate over judicial conduct and independence, particularly in high-profile cases.