GBA Rejects Claims of Political Bias, Condemns Afenyo-Markin’s Remarks Against Judge
May 19,2026
The Ghana Bar Association has strongly denied allegations that it is aligned with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing such claims as unfair and politically motivated.
The response follows comments by Government spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who suggested that the Association’s silence on recent remarks made by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin reinforced perceptions that the GBA sympathises with the NPP.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story programme, the Public Relations Officer of the GBA, Saviour Kudze, dismissed the accusations and expressed disappointment over the continuous politicisation of the legal body whenever it comments on national matters.
According to him, Ghana faces more pressing national concerns such as sanitation and illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which require urgent attention rather than partisan attacks on professional institutions.
Mr Kudze stressed that the Ghana Bar Association represents lawyers from different political backgrounds and should not be reduced to a partisan organisation. He urged political leaders to focus on solving national problems instead of questioning the neutrality of the Association.
He further noted that leadership should be measured by the ability to provide solutions rather than weaponising public commentary against institutions.
Meanwhile, the GBA also condemned recent comments made by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against a judge handling the case involving NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe.
Mr Kudze described the remarks as inappropriate and harmful to judicial independence, insisting that lawyers and public officials must uphold respect for the judiciary even when they disagree with court decisions.
“We will never condone such conduct,” he stated, adding that lawyers dissatisfied with judicial rulings should seek redress through legal procedures such as appeals rather than public attacks on judges.
The controversy stems from comments made by Mr Afenyo-Markin during a press conference, where he criticised the continued remand of Abronye DC and openly declared that he had “no respect” for the presiding judge.
The GBA says while criticism of judicial decisions is permissible, public statements that undermine the dignity and independence of the courts threaten the rule of law and public confidence in the justice system.
