The NDC majority caucus in Ghana’s Parliament is calling on NPP Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to apologize to Speaker Alban Bagbin and cease actions they describe as “desecrating” Parliament.
In a statement released on Thursday, 7th November 2024, the NDC Majority condemned Afenyo-Markin for what they describe as the “continuous personal attacks” against the Speaker, which they say were both unwarranted and unbecoming of a parliamentary leader. The Minority Leader had earlier used Article 112(3) of the Constitution and Order 53 of the Standing Orders to trigger the third urgent recall of Parliament this year, but the NDC Majority claims that this was followed by the NPP Minority’s failure to appear in the chamber when the recall session took place.
While the NDC Majority attended the recall and was ready to conduct business, the Minority Leader and his caucus members were notably absent, despite their initial call for the urgent session. Instead of engaging with the business of Parliament, Hon. Afenyo-Markin embarked on a media campaign, where he reportedly made unsavory and derogatory remarks about the Speaker.
In a series of viral interviews, Afenyo-Markin was heard making vitriolic comments aimed at the Speaker, using language the NDC describes as “unsavoury and unparliamentary.” The Majority Caucus has expressed its disappointment, demanding an immediate and unqualified apology from the Minority Leader for what they view as deliberate attempts to lower the dignity of the Speaker’s office and tarnish his reputation in the eyes of the Ghanaian public.
The statement emphasizes that the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament has always upheld the Constitution and been steadfast in protecting the sanctity of Ghana’s Parliament and democratic institutions. The NDC Majority insists that the Speaker has done nothing to deserve such attacks and has been a firm defender of parliamentary procedures and the Constitution.
The Majority also took the opportunity to highlight the poor attendance from the NPP Minority during the recall. Despite Afenyo-Markin’s call for an urgent session, fewer than 30 NPP MPs showed up to participate in the business of Parliament. In stark contrast, over 100 MPs from the NDC Majority were present, prepared to engage in the proceedings. The absence of the Minority MPs led the Speaker to adjourn the House indefinitely, further frustrating the Majority.
Furthermore, the NDC Majority has issued a warning to Afenyo-Markin, stating that if he continues to misuse parliamentary processes for personal gain or political ego, the Majority will no longer tolerate such conduct. They have made it clear that any future recalls initiated by the NPP Minority will face resistance.
The statement also criticized the Minority for wasting taxpayer money, calling on the people of Ghana to hold the NPP Minority accountable for abusing parliamentary and constitutional procedures for what the NDC deems as personal and political advantage.
In conclusion , the NDC Majority is urging Hon. Afenyo-Markin to abandon his ego and apologize to the Speaker, who they argue has served with integrity and dedication throughout his long career in Parliament.
