The recent “Save the Judiciary” protest organized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sparked controversy following allegations of an assault involving Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and a police officer. Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the NPP, vehemently denies these claims, labeling them a politically motivated distraction orchestrated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to undermine the success of the demonstration. Ahiagbah argues that the accusations are baseless and lack merit, serving only to divert attention from the core issues raised during the protest.
Ahiagbah presents a counter-narrative, asserting that Afenyo-Markin was, in fact, the victim of an assault by the police officer. He contends that the officer’s actions were unprovoked and left the Minority Leader visibly shaken. Ahiagbah criticizes the police for their handling of the situation, suggesting that a prompt clarification and direct communication with the officer in question could have prevented the escalation of the issue. He implies that the officer’s conduct may have been deliberate, raising questions about the officer’s motives and reinforcing his belief that Afenyo-Markin was not at fault.
Ahiagbah’s defense of Afenyo-Markin underscores the NPP’s perspective on the incident, portraying the Minority Leader as a victim rather than an aggressor. This stance aligns with the NPP’s broader strategy of dismissing the assault allegations as a political maneuver by the NDC to discredit the “Save the Judiciary” protest. By framing the incident as a manufactured controversy, Ahiagbah aims to shift public focus back to the demonstration’s objectives and minimize the potential damage to the party’s image.
The conflicting accounts of the alleged assault highlight the partisan divide in Ghanaian politics and the tendency for political opponents to exploit such incidents for their own gain. The NDC’s focus on the alleged assault, according to Ahiagbah, is a deliberate attempt to overshadow the success of the NPP’s demonstration and divert attention from the legitimate concerns raised about the judiciary. This tactic, Ahiagbah argues, undermines the importance of the protest’s message and distracts from the real issues at hand.
Ahiagbah’s call to disregard the assault allegations as a false narrative underscores the NPP’s determination to protect its image and maintain focus on its political agenda. He urges the public to prioritize the objectives of the “Save the Judiciary” protest and not be swayed by what he perceives as a politically motivated smear campaign. By characterizing the NDC’s actions as a distraction, Ahiagbah seeks to maintain public support for the NPP and its cause.
In essence, the clashing narratives surrounding the alleged assault reflect the ongoing political battle between the NPP and the NDC. Ahiagbah’s defense of Afenyo-Markin and his criticism of the police response represent the NPP’s effort to control the narrative and protect its political standing. By portraying the incident as a fabricated controversy, the NPP aims to diminish the impact of the allegations and preserve the integrity of the “Save the Judiciary” protest. This incident underscores the challenges of navigating political discourse in a highly charged environment where competing narratives often overshadow the pursuit of truth and accountability.
