The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has strongly criticised comments made by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin about a Circuit Court judge, describing the remarks as unacceptable and harmful to the independence of the judiciary.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Monday, May 18, 2026, the association’s Public Relations Officer, Saviour Kudze, said the GBA could not support public attacks on judges by lawyers, especially senior members of the legal profession.
“We will never condone such conduct. Over the years, we have consistently cautioned and condemned similar behaviour by lawyers,” Kudze stated.
He did not hold back in his assessment of the Minority Leader’s actions.
“I will not mince words in saying that what the Minority Leader, a senior lawyer at the Bar, has done is condemnable at every level. A senior lawyer who also holds a public position ought to have done better,” he added.
The controversy stems from comments made by Afenyo-Markin following the remand of Bono Regional NPP Chairman Kwame Baffoe, widely known as Abronye DC.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, May 17, 2026, the Minority Leader questioned the legality of the continued remand and argued that the matter raised concerns about constitutional rights, including bail and freedom of expression.
He also directed sharp criticism at the judge handling the case.
“That Circuit Court 9 judge, I have no respect for him. I pray he summons me for contempt. I will continue to disrespect him until he upholds the law. It’s a shame on the judiciary. He doesn’t talk law,” Afenyo-Markin said.
Reacting to the remarks, Kudze stressed that lawyers who disagree with judicial decisions should seek redress through the courts instead of attacking judges publicly.
“If you are dissatisfied, you appeal. You don’t go on air to attack the judge,” he said.
He also pointed to previous incidents involving lawyers, including comments linked to Francis-Xavier Sosu in 2022, saying the association has consistently spoken against conduct it believes undermines the judiciary.
Meanwhile, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has accused the GBA of selective silence in handling the matter.
According to him, the association has failed to respond firmly because it allegedly operates in alignment with the New Patriotic Party.
