Outgoing Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) side in the current legislature as a difficult faction with which he had to transact legislative business.
He said it was challenging to reach deals with his political opponents as they grew confident of their electoral chances in the lead-up to the 2024 general election.
Delivering his final address ahead of the Dissolution of the 8th Parliament, he complained that the frequent breakdown in talks with his opposite number, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and his team, resulted in stalled government proposals.
He said many had been unaware of the immense pressure under which he performed as Majority Leader.
“Mr. Speaker, many did not understand why I was combative on a number of occasions. There were those who didn’t know how the heat was on me and will say that ‘You’re Majority Leader, reach out’.
“Mr. Speaker, the minority was such a tough, stubborn, difficult side. You could never have an agreement with them because they were smelling power and I understand.
“The number of government business I would have loved to complete, for political expediency and perhaps for purposes of principle, I did not get the support from my respected colleague,” he reflected on his brief stint as Majority Leader.
Leader Afenyo-Markin reserved special praise for Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei Mensa-Bonsu from whom he took over, extolling his experience and unflinching support of him.
The New Patriotic Party has officially decided to give Mr. Afenyo-Markin the nod to continue as Minority Leader in the 9th Parliament.
He has promised hard work in an upcoming legislature where his side will be outnumbered.
