According to Adomonline. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the newly appointed Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, has shared his reflections on the demanding role he now holds. In an exclusive interview with Joy News on Sunday, February 2, the Effutu MP opened up about the unique challenges he faces in his leadership position and the role his faith plays in guiding him through the pressures.
Afenyo-Markin, who is no stranger to the political arena, spoke candidly about the weight of the responsibilities on his shoulders, acknowledging that the role of Minority Leader is no easy feat. Describing it as a “difficult” position, he highlighted the need for wisdom, patience, and extensive consultation in decision-making. “It’s been challenging. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a party of equals. You need to really consult broadly. You cannot be taking unilateral decisions,” Afenyo-Markin remarked, reflecting on the collaborative nature of his party’s structure.
Despite the inherent challenges, the seasoned politician expressed confidence in his ability to succeed, crediting his resilience and unwavering faith in God. He revealed that prayer has been a cornerstone of his leadership approach, stating, “So God be my guide. I keep praying. I have a prayer team. Father has been very supportive. I have an Anglican priest in Winneba. I believe in prayer.” His commitment to seeking divine guidance underscores the significant role his spirituality plays in his leadership journey.
The Minority Leader also shared a personal moment regarding his spiritual journey. He responded to comments made by Samuel George, the Communications Minister nominee, about Holy Spirit baptism. Afenyo-Markin revealed that he had received Holy Spirit baptism years ago while studying at Saint Augustine’s College, a detail that had not been previously known to George. “When Sam George was talking about Holy Spirit baptism, I received Holy Spirit baptism way back in Saint Augustine’s College. He doesn’t know. We haven’t had the opportunity to talk about religion. But when people talk, just leave them. The time will come,” Afenyo-Markin explained, emphasizing the importance of spiritual maturity and the timing of such conversations.
As a leader, Afenyo-Markin is keenly aware of his imperfections and the inevitability of making mistakes. He acknowledged that leadership is a continuous journey of growth and learning. “I will make mistakes. There are potholes on the way. There are asphalt roads on the way. We’ll get to each one of them. As we grow, we learn from our mistakes,” he said. His self-awareness and openness to personal development were evident in his acknowledgment of the evolution he has undergone as both a politician and a person.
“I know Afenyo-Markin of 2013 is not the same Afenyo-Markin of today. If God gives me life, my Afenyo-Markin in the next eight years will not be the same as the Afenyo-Markin of today,” he remarked, illustrating his commitment to continuous self-improvement.
Criticism, while inevitable, is something the Minority Leader embraces as part of the leadership process. Rather than viewing it as a setback, Afenyo-Markin sees it as an opportunity for introspection and growth. “People criticize you, and you go back. Sometimes, you may not admit it publicly, but you realize, ‘Oh no, I erred.’ You correct it and move on. That is life. What else can I do?” he reflected, highlighting his approach to leadership as one that is rooted in humility and the willingness to learn from feedback.
Afenyo-Markin’s reflections reveal a leader who is not only self-aware but also deeply committed to the people he serves. As the Minority Leader, he remains resolute in his belief that, with faith and continuous growth, he will meet the challenges ahead and leave a meaningful impact on Ghana’s political landscape. As he navigates the complexities of his new role, it is clear that Afenyo-Markin values both personal and professional development, and remains determined to lead with integrity and purpose.