Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has criticised Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over comments he made following the Tamale High Court ruling, which annulled the 2024 parliamentary election in the Kpandai Constituency.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, the Minister warned that the Minority Leader’s remarks have the potential to erode public confidence in the judiciary and inflame political tensions.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, addressing journalists in Parliament on Wednesday, November 26, vowed to challenge the High Court’s decision, describing it as flawed and an affront to democratic legitimacy.

He further assured constituents that their MP, Matthew Nyindam, “remains the sitting MP” and continues to function in full capacity within both Parliament and the NPP Minority caucus.

However, Mr Mubarak expressed deep concern about the implications of the Minority Leader’s rhetoric.

“When you do this, we then, by our action and inaction and comments, weaken the very judiciary that we expect to be strong,” he said.

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“If we go to the Appeals Court, and they turn down the decision of the High Court judge, should the Majority Leader also come out and say the Appeal Court judges are corrupt and have been paid?”

The Minister noted that such statements, particularly when made by high-ranking political leaders, can inadvertently cast doubt on the independence of the courts and create unnecessary political friction.

“I am worried about the posture of the Minority Leader,” he continued. “The judiciary may be hesitant because of the position that he is occupying and the possible rancour and political division that it may create.”

Mr Mubarak described the comments as “very disappointing,” urging Mr Afenyo-Markin to exercise a greater sense of responsibility and circumspection in his public pronouncements.

“I expect him to be more responsible as a Minority Leader,” he said. “Maybe I should assist him and tell him that he must learn and get his facts right.”