A photo collage of Alexander Afenyo-Markin (L) and Mahama Ayariga
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the Majority Caucus in Parliament, accusing them of obstructing government business and attempting to intimidate the Minority.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, February 2, 2025, he condemned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s decision to suspend four Members of Parliament following chaos that erupted during the vetting of a ministerial nominee on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Afenyo-Markin argued that the Speaker overstepped his authority by suspending the MPs without due process.
“The Speaker was dealing with a disorderly conduct which took place at the committee level, where the chairman of the committee had a mandate to deal with the matters. He now says that he has, on his own, suspended these members without hearing them. The chair of the committee did not communicate anything to the Speaker, neither did the Speaker invite any of us in leadership for any discussion. In any event, even where there is punishment, our rules are clear. It can be for four days, eight days, or twelve days, according to Order 130,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin further criticised the Speaker’s unilateral actions, comparing them to an unjust judicial process.
“Can a judge shoot a thief on the streets merely because it is his view that the person has stolen without taking him through the process of evidence gathering? What becomes of the old saying that if all men find a man’s hand in the tail, his guilt must be proven?” he queried.
He also accused the NDC Majority of disregarding parliamentary procedures.
“We are aware that the NDC Majority itself has disrespected or disregarded Mr. Speaker’s orders. In fact, on the day, one of his consequential orders was to the effect that the selection committee must meet immediately and reconstitute the appointment committee”, he stated.
Calling on the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, to intervene, Afenyo-Markin stated, “Let me call on the Majority Leader, who I so much respect, who has demonstrated a top-notch diplomatic posture, to tame the wild dogs who are obstructing government business. There are some elements in the NDC, in Parliament, who are overly aggressive.”
Despite his criticism, Afenyo-Markin maintained that the NPP Minority would continue to engage with the Speaker of Parliament out of respect, while also escalating the matter to their party leadership.
“We believe that the right thing to do is to grant these affected members a hearing. We have also taken the matter up. We have escalated the matter to our party level. The NPP Minority caucus is the wing of the NPP in Parliament, so, we have communicated this matter to party headquarters. The National Chairman, the General Secretary, and the national executives have become aware of this and they take the matter seriously,” he added.
He further emphasised the Minority’s resilience, “These mighty few – these happy few, will not allow itself to be intimidated. We will never surrender to any intimidation. All the issues that are being thrown at us are aimed at cowardice. None of it will work. For the records, this is the first time in the history of our Fourth Republic that a Minority in Parliament is allowing a government to form appointed ministers in record time. We’ve been most cooperative with the NDC Majority but they are bullies. They bully, they intimidate, and if you don’t stand strong, they will bully you — and we will never be bullied. We’ve supported them.”
To address the matter, Bagbin has announced the formation of a seven-member special committee to conduct a full-scale investigation into the violent confrontations that occurred during the confirmation hearings.
“The committee shall identify all members involved in the disorder and submit its report with findings and recommendations within 10 days from yesterday. Any member found culpable shall face the appropriate disciplinary measures as prescribed by the 1992 Constitution, the Parliament Act of 1965, and the Standing Orders of Parliament,” the Speaker stated.
The affected MPs are the Majority Chief Whip and MP of South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor; the Minority Chief Whip and MP of Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh; the MP of Gushiegu, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, and the MP of Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
JKB/AE
Watch a video of Afenyo-Markin revealing how he became rich below: