Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused President John Dramani Mahama of weakening the Council of State during his administration.

He made the accusation on Monday, 5 May, while addressing protesters at a New Patriotic Party (NPP)-led demonstration against the suspension of the Chief Justice.

Speaking after the group submitted a petition to Parliament, Afenyo-Markin criticized Mahama for sidelining key constitutional institutions.

“Under President Mahama, the Council of State has become toothless,” he said. “It no longer carries out its advisory role independently or effectively.”

He argued that this deliberate weakening of institutions threatens Ghana’s democracy. According to him, it removes essential checks and balances required for good governance.

Afenyo-Markin urged citizens to remain alert and defend constitutional bodies that hold government accountable.

The protest, supported by civil society organizations, opposed what participants described as political interference in the judiciary.

Protesters demanded the reinstatement of the Chief Justice and called on the executive to respect constitutional boundaries.