The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Bekwai, Joseph Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to retain Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the Minority Leader in the 9th Parliament.
This follows the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections, which has sparked public discussions about leadership in the new parliamentary landscape.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Osei-Owusu emphasised the importance of continuity and experience in parliamentary leadership. He noted that Afenyo-Markin’s familiarity with parliamentary affairs and his experience as Majority Leader make him the ideal candidate to lead the NPP’s minority caucus.
“We should maintain the current person to help us,” Osei-Owusu said. “Currently, no one is more experienced than the current one, who is Afenyo-Markin. Changes in Parliament are not good, mostly because the leadership in Parliament becomes strong based on how long you’ve served in Parliament.”
Osei-Owusu acknowledged that while the NPP’s reduced numbers in Parliament may limit their ability to influence decisions, they still require a strong leader to articulate their views. “Based on our numbers, there’s no decision we can influence in Parliament, but we need somebody who can at least lead our voice,” he added.
